road trip holidays australia

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Oceania » Australia » 10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Australia: a continental landmass of crocodile-wrestling locals, man-eating dropbears, and gigantic expanses of endless red dirt. Maybe only one of those things is true.

That said, there is truly, truly massive amounts of red dirt. On any Australian road trip through its gargantuan “Red Centre”, you will see endless horizons of ochre hues. Words cannot describe the scope of this untameable land.

In Australia, one can easily drive for days on end without the scenery changing at all and with only the occasional roo – jumping out in front of the car on a suicide mission – to break up the routine. But if you can handle the distances and duck the kamikaze kangaroos, the country can be one hell of a setting for some epic Australian road trips.

Of course, embarking on Australia’s road trips isn’t so simple. First, you’ll need a vehicle. You’ll also need to manage the equally untameable cost of travelling in Australia. (Damn you fuel prices in Oz!)

And of course, you’ll need to decide on which of the best road trips in Australia you’ll be Mad Max-ing. Spoiler: they’re all bloody magnificent.

So that’s why I’ve written this guide to travelling Australia by car (or van). A roundup of the most epic Australian road trips you can possibly sink your teeth and adventurer chomps into!

Fire her up cause we’re headin’ out back, mate.

Exploring Australia: Prepping for the Road Trip

Top 10 epic australia road trips: she’ll be right, 10. kangaroo island, some safety advice for australia, let the great australia road trip commence.

The word Australia is now pretty much synonymous with the word “backpacking”. This is primarily because countless backpackers from all around the world now flock here annually, either to take long working holidays (yay for obscenely high minimum wages) or to try and start a new life.

Meanwhile back in the rest of the world, (certainly in India, South-East Asia and South America) it often feels like most of the other backpackers you meet are Australian (closely followed by Germans then Israelis). In summary Australia = Backpacking . Right?

Despite this, the former prison colony has still not really been properly explored save by only a handful of very brave and foolish souls. Australia is massive, it’s red, it’s angry, and it’s often damn well deadly and therefore, most folks (residents and visitors alike) end up sticking to the coastlines .

However, if you want to discover the real Australia then you need to head away from the beach and into that deliciously daring ‘outback’ . For a proper adventure, you gotta get away from humanity and into the sheer undulating arid heat. If you’re going to do that, then you’re going to need to get yourself a car and set off for an epic road trip in Australia.

The road is calling (here are a few inspiring road trip quotes , just in case you need any more motivation).

How to Travel Australia by Car

Firstly, you will need a driving licence . A serious traveller may even want to get an International licence although most “Western” licence (US, EU, etc.) will be perfectly valid down under . Be sure to get this back in your home country because everything is expensive in Australia.

You’re also going to need a vehicle for a road trip in Australia – no brainer! There are three ways to go about this:

• Hire a car or van in Australia – Renting a car in Australia is easy albeit expensive and much better suited to a short trip. There are heaps of car rental services in Australia but I recommend JUCY Rentals . They’ve been in the game as long as I remember; parked by the beaches of Byron Bay is a time-honoured Australian tradition almost as much as a beer and fish and chips. Probably also in Byron.
• Buy a car or van –  This is option two and the true backpacker way to have a road trip in Australia. Backpackers buying and reselling vehicles in Australia is incredibly common (given the sheer scope of Australia) and acquiring a pre-loved gypsy warhorse and selling it again later is super viable. The best way to go about this is through online listings: social media groups, car sales websites, Gumtree , traveller/hostel message boards, or even dipping into your personal network.
• Steal a car or van – Jokes, don’t do that. Remember how I said Australia was an ex-prisoner colony. Dem fuckers be crazy.

Travel Australia by Van or Car

Right, so you may have noticed how I specified van  OR  car. That’s because both are viable, however, I do have a special love in my heart for living and travelling in a van. And truth be told, Australia’s barren empty wilderness and endless beaches are simply built for the vanlife.

Ultimately though, the choice is yours. A car is cheaper to acquire (generally) and requires less mechanical knowhow, but you won’t have the sheer magnificent awesomeness a home with wheels. That said, vans can be absolute primadonnas and konk out on you at the worst possible time so it’s a matter of choice and desire.

Lastly (and most importantly), it is worth noting that not ALL of Australia will be open to you in a standard van or car. A lot of Australia’s landscape is incredibly harsh and some of the absolute best road trips will only be doable with a four-wheel drive.

Either way, the vehicle type you choose is going to affect your packing for the great Australian road trip . To that end, here is some more recommended reading:

Car Camping in Australia Resources:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
• The Camping Master Checklist
• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best Sleeping Bags
• And don’t forget a sleeping pad!

Van Travel in Australia Resources

• The Full Guide to Vanlife
• Campervanning in New Zealand Guide

(Yes I know it’s New Zealand but bar the much smaller scope and lack of murderous animals, the countries are quite comparable.)

Oh, and here’s a kickass post discussing the cost of a road trip in Australia . Ta-dah!

A Word on Australian Visas

Pretty much everybody will need a visa to enter Australia. The immigration policies and staff are zealous and you will be given the once over.

Travellers from most Western Countries can enter for tourism purposes on an Australian ETA (subclass 601) . Whilst these are amongst the easiest type to obtain, do remember to apply before you fly or you risk deportation

Ok, no more blabber-blabber: the best road trips in Australia! Let’s hop to it and get this show on the road!

So. Many. Puns.

So. Little. Time.

1. Gibb River Road – Western Australia

Accessible only by four-wheel drive, and completely impossible to do in the wet season, this road is one hell of an adventure. Bringing you 660 km down a dirt track from Broome to Kununurra , you’re likely not to see another soul on the road.

Countless waterfalls and natural springs greet you along the way – just make sure to check for freshwater crocs before you hop in! It’s one of the best routes you can take for an Australian road trip.

2. Cairns to Cape York – Queensland

At the northernmost tip of Australia, practically touching Papua New Guinea, lives a place called Cape York . Far from the backpacker trail, it’s an amazing place to explore. (Other than the saltwater crocodiles lurking in the water. Australia’s wildlife: the reoccurring theme of this guide).

The road travels down dirt roads with many river crossings, so you definitely need a four-wheel drive, much like most of the best spots in an Australia road trip. As you travel up from Cairns , you’ll pass through Cape Tribulation – a tiny town nestled in the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30-minute boat ride away. It doesn’t get more idyllic than that.

3. Darwin to Uluru – Northern Territory

While this one can be done with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle, the route is definitely far from ordinary. A hundred kilometres south of Darwin , you’ll reach the gorgeous Litchfield National Park . With more waterfalls than you can handle, a ton of different bush walks, and a unique (and odd) type of termite mound, you could spend weeks in the park.

Continuing south you’ll get a true taste of the Outback, with roads stretching far into the horizon. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored; those suicidal kangaroos will keep you on your toes as you cruise to the red hot centre of Australia. Be sure to stop in at Alice Springs on your way to Uluru – yes, the famous giant red rock – to check out some traditional Aboriginal art  as well as the stunning views you won’t catch anywhere else on earth. You’ll find a few great hostels in Alice Springs as well. A great route to choose for an Australia road trip!

4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is widely mooted as the “greatest” amongst the epic Australian road trips, and one of the best road trips in Victoria . For all those in love with the ocean, this road is an absolute must. Gliding along from every surfer’s paradises to massive plunging cliffs, the road is nothing short of spectacular.

Starting 275 km west of Melbourne , you’ll find the world-famous Twelve Apostles , where huge rock stacks rise from the waves. Love surfing (or the movie Point Break)? Get to Bells Beach , the setting of the last scene of the film, as well as Rip Curl’s surfing competition.

Be sure to stop in at some of the villages along the road as well; from Victorian-era buildings to small fishing communities, there are some great destinations along the Great Ocean Road.

5. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive – New South Wales

Mountains in Australia? Blue mountains ? Yep, they’ve got more than just kangaroos and koalas out there.

Taking you from the metropolis of Sydney right up the middle of the Blue Mountains , this drive is anything but ordinary. From Jenolan Caves , filled with crazy limestone formations, to the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba , you will find plenty to do in the area.

And if you get bored of the main route, no worries! The Bluies (a bit of local lingo for ya there) is an absolutely massive mountain range with awesome hostels to stay at tonnes of branching tracks:

• Running from Sydney to Lithgow is the Great Western Highway (the main route).
• Parallel to the Great Western on the other side of the Grose Valley is Bell’s Line of Road .
• There are heaps of dirt roads and fire trails running into the bush everywhere to explore.
• And tonnes of branching roads in other directions. Check out the  Megalong Valley or head towards  Oberon for some more eye candy.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

6. The Nullarbor Plain – West Australia

The long road to Perth takes in 2000km of red Australia at its harshest. It’s flat, it’s long, it’s arid, and it’s a big wide open space so don’t get acrophobic on me now. It’s also an utterly rewarding adventure and one of the best of the epic Austrian road trips you can do.

It’s fair to say that doing the proper crossing of Australia by car is both an Australian and backpacker rite of passage. Take a friend or get used to your own company because it’s a lonely journey and not for the faint of heart. But my god is it a journey.

If, however, this all sounds like too much then see number 7.

7. Tasmania’s Heritage Trail

Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. The region boasts beauty in abundance but has somehow escaped consumption by the backpacker trail. It’s also a lot smaller and compact to travel; like a miniature New Zealand!

This was once the gateway to Australia and was where the original convict chain-gangs were set to work colonising the country. The highwaymen that once haunted these high-ways and by-ways are now gone but you still need to be mindful of those damn roos who may surprise you! This is quite a short and pleasant drive – it’s a lot greener too – so is the perfect contrast to the above Australian road trip.

8. The Alpine Way – New South Wales

Did you know you could fit the entirety of old Wales into New South Wales several times over? However, this route is only 121km long so should only take you a day (plus stops).

The best time to come here is in early spring when the snow is melting (yes, Australia gets snow) but you still get the alpine scenery. There are also loads of great, and safe, places to wild camp along the way.

9. Sydney to Melbourne

Ok, so we did kind of dissed the folks who stick to the coast back there. However, the reality is that if you’re gonna fly all the way to Australia, you will most likely either fly to Sydney or to Melbourne first – two of the best places to stay in Australia . Therefore you may as well make a road trip out of it, right?

There are loads of little coastal towns along the coastal route (think Summer Bay from Home & Away) as well as idyllic little spots for fishing and bird watching. This trip is also perfect if you’re short on time, an inexperienced explorer or if your car is not up to the harder, inland roads.

If the mainland somehow feels too big, then take the ferry from Adelaide across to Kangaroo Island . As the name suggests, it’s an almost untouched animal sanctuary so you can expect more kamikaze kangaroos then we care to mention. To battle stations, comrades: they’re rebelling!

You can take your car onto the ferry (it’s the same deal for Tassie by the way) but if you are renting one, please check that the rental company allows you to do this.

Seriously, there’s a whole other post in this but ok. Pickpockets, terrorists, murderers: these aren’t a concern so much in Australia (Ivan Milat notwithstanding) . There are other concerns, however. Especially for travellers unwitting to Australia’s harshness.

The wildlife is, of course, the bad joke of the global community. Crocs, jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks… hell, an emu can kill you if it wants. Generally, you stay away from them, then they’ll stay away from you. The big exception is crocs.

Any area where crocs are common in the water (northern areas of Australia in particular), be hella safe swimming. In fact, probably just don’t swim. If a croc gets you, you’re dead: end of story. Australia isn’t some landscape of bloodthirsty man-eating monsters like people seem to think, but you need to pay attention.

Next, swimming safety. A lot of the beaches are rough and tourists have died going past their limits. Be careful swimming on Australia’s beaches: swim between the lifeguard’s flags, watch out for surfers, and if you get stuck in a rip, let it take you until it subsides. Common sense prevails when swimming in Australia.

Are you done, Dad?  No. Two more things

One More Thing: Australia Road Trip Safety

Road trips in Australia are very different from the States, Europe, or most other places for that matter. Maybe it’s comparable to a hot Siberia.

Populated coastlines are different but in rural areas and especially in the Outback, there are a number of things to be careful about:

• Supplies –  Always have enough food, petrol (including extra tanks),  WATER ; it’s quite possible to go days without seeing another human in Australia’s most vast areas and if you breakdown without these things, she’ll probably not be right.
• Stop, revive, survive – Famous safety motto in Australia: take frequent rest breaks and naps if necessary when driving. It’s actually amazing how many people die on Australia’s long, straight, empty roads – counter-intuitive, right? It’s easy to lose concentration when you’ve been driving in a straight line staring at the same dot on the horizon for 6 hours. It’s easy to fall asleep at the wheel and flip your car or smash into a pole at 120+km/h. Be smart.
• Watch out for wildlife –  All the jokes aside about suicidal kangaroos, imagine hitting one. That can be 6+ feet and 80+ kilograms of proper red-blooded Australian muscle and bone crunching your bonnet and coming through your windshield. It’s the same as hitting a person. Hitting wildlife on an Australian road trip can be just as bad for you as it is for them. Plus, they’re so damn cute! Just watch out for them.
• Roadside Drug Testing –  Can be common in some states and areas and the laws are an absolute mess. Just sayin’…

Last Thing! Get Insured Before Travelling to Australia

What if the kangaroos really do form an army and rise up. Do you know how many kangaroos there are in Australia? We’ll never stand a chance!

Na, you’ll be fine. You know why? Because you’re a smart cookie and you got travel insurance!

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There! Done dad-ing you now. Now you can go and get yourself killed in Australia!

Kidding! You’re not gonna die. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’ll see some sights like no where else in the world, you’ll face some challenges that’ll help you grow, and at the end of it you’ll say:

“Strewth, mate! Too bloody right. That was pretty fuckin’ orright!”

Have fun, amigos. Australia is truly breathtakingly beautiful and she offers something no other country in this world can. Truly, she is special.

So go hit her up! Take her for a drive – some epic Australia road trips – and go see something you never have before! Take some weed too. It’s a long fucking drive.

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at Zigz Writes Things .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Our guide to Driving Holidays

• Experiences

Australia’s a huge country with a massive variety of landscapes that vary from state to state – and the best way to see it all is often by car. We’re a land home to some of the world’s greatest road trips, from epic coastal drives to amazing outback driving adventures and much more.

Perhaps the best part about driving in Australia is just how different one road trip can be to the next. There’s enough of a range of scenery to cater to all tastes; all it takes is four wheels and a sense of adventure.

Make your way across the incredible, fiery red interior of Australia to witness some of the world’s most famous natural landmarks, indulge your taste buds with a drive through verdant wine regions, enjoy some amazing slices of sun, surf and sand right near the roadside – the choice is yours. We take a look at some of Australia’s greatest road trips here.

Road Trips from Sydney

The great road trips of NSW: Grand Pacific Drive itinerary

Prepare yourself for sweeping coastal views, a hidden national park, heart-pounding adventure activities and so much mor...

Australia’s largest city is lucky to sit in a location with so many amazing road trip destinations within easy reach. Head just an hour west towards Katoomba and the many natural highlights of the Blue Mountains – including the iconic Three Sisters – await.

Those who enjoy a drop of the good stuff can head 170km north of the city and sample world-class wines and other delectable produce in the Hunter Valley . Continue just a little further, and the Pacific Coast with its pristine beaches and glittering bays provide a relaxed, seaside environment. Looking south, the Grand Pacific Drive winds its way through the NSW South Coast with a mix of lush rainforests and charming coastal towns and some dramatic sea cliff scenery to top things off.

An underrated road trip that blends together Aussie history with gorgeous national park, driving to Outback NSW (culminating in the town of Broken Hill) is an item that should be on any serious Australian driving bucket list. Lastly, even the road trip from Sydney to Melbourne can be as direct – by sticking to the highway – or as leisurely and full of charm as you like depending on the route you take.

Victoria’s secret: 5 easy Phillip Island road trips you should know

Phillip Island is a peaceful refuge, known for its flora and fauna – think penguins and fur seals – as well as its mesmerising...

The best towns to visit on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne

Here’s how to make the most of an inland road trip between Sydney and Melbourne. Driving the route from Sydney to Melbourne is ...

A Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary

Driving from Sydney to Byron Bay is one of the most iconic drives in Australia. Here's how to make the most of the route over four...

The ultimate inland road trip from Sydney to Brisbane

The coast road from Sydney to Brisbane is perfect if you want to put your foot down and take the direct route north. However, if ...

Bells Line of Road: the Blue Mountains’ most wonderful secrets

Sydneysiders have long escaped to the Blue Mountains for a weekend dose of country air. But while most travellers take the well-tr...

Road Trips from Melbourne

featured post

The best day trips from Melbourne

Tempting as it may be to exclusively explore Melbourne’s tapestry of shops, restaurants, cafes, laneways and culture, ...

Melbourne’s central position combines with Victoria’s compact size to make for a highly driveable part of the country. There’s a ton of amazing things you can see via road in Victoria with relatively little time investment, yet still plenty of diversity.

The most obvious of these may be the incredible coastal spectacle and rock formations of the Great Ocean Road – widely regarded as Australia’s best road trip – but there’s plenty more routes to discover in Victoria. The greenery of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , with its mix of charming little towns, top-notch wineries and vintage train journeys is a popular go-to spot for couples and families alike.

Just 3 hours drive from the city in opposite directions lie two of the country’s most amazing national parks, each for entirely different reasons. Head north-west and encounter the sprawling valleys and indigenous sites of the Grampians National Park ; head south-east and the coastal magic, abundant wildlife and pink-granite peaks of Wilsons Promontory National Park are a much-loved camping getaway.

For slightly shorter trips, drive across the bridge to Phillip Island and enjoy a family-friendly hotspot full of nature and one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife displays in the Penguin Parade, or head down to the Mornington Peninsula for its signature mix of coastal scenery, boutique food, wine and craft stores, and hidden romantic hideaways.

Escapists can drive through the lofty mountain ranges and plunging valleys of the Great Alpine Road , while more traditional types can opt for the historic route to Sydney via the Heritage Drive and soak in our country’s past in charming detail along the way.

10 hidden-gem road trips in Victoria

Prepare yourself to take the road less travelled as we introduce you to some of Victoria’s hidden-gem road trips. The Great Oce...

The ultimate Mornington Peninsula road trip

 With picturesque seaside villages, rolling vineyards, quaint antique stores, local markets, art galleries, nature trails and an ...

The best itinerary to drive the Great Ocean Road in 3 days

It’s right there in the name. Come to think of it, the name is somewhat of an understatement. Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is n...

How to do the great Grampians road trip

The Grampians road trip is the road trip with it all, but one you’ve probably never done before, writes Phil Hawkes. Melbourne (...

Road Trips from Brisbane

The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway. A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite ...

Regardless of if you’re looking to keep things short and sweet, or head out to explore more distant parts of Queensland, Brisbane delivers solid road trip opportunities. Just a mere 45 minutes is all it takes to head up to the picturesque Moreton Bay region with its signature marine life and aquatic activities.

Those who prefer greenery will be spoiled for choice when driving from Brisbane; each of the Lockyer Valley (west), Scenic Rim (south) and Sunshine Coast Hinterland (north) all offer a cavalcade of mountain peaks, lush national parks, and artisan producers to sample well under two hours drive in each direction.

A collection of renowned towns that each offer something entirely different are well within driving range from Brisbane as well. Whether it’s the hippy-trendy-coastal vibe of Byron Bay down south or the west-and-further-west historic combo of Ipswich and Toowoomba , opportunities to visit charming regional towns abound.

Add in the ultra-popular family and beach blend the Gold Coast offers just down the highway, and drivers from Brisbane are well set up for multiple great road trips.

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway. A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage...

Road Trips from Perth

Home to some of Australia’s longest and most epic road trips, Western Australia’s sheer size means it’s home to some truly epic journeys. With Perth as the starting point, everything from the reasonably-close food and wine delights of Margaret River to the far-flung reaches of Broome is on the table depending on the amount of time you’re willing to invest.

Its coastline is one of its greatest assets, and you’ll be able to experience it in multiple fashions driving here. Journey your way up the spectacular stretch of the Coral Coast with its multiple interesting settlements before culminating in Exmouth – home of the Whale Shark and Ningaloo Reef .

Head the other way down to Albany , and enjoy a winding route through state forests before taking in its ANZAC history and scenic views, with the option to push on further to Esperance to be astounded by some of the most beautiful beaches our country has to offer.

The incredible rock formations of WA, including the moon-like desert of the Pinnacles and the towering curve of Wave Rock are also only a few hours drive away, while the “wild west” of Kalgoorlie and the signature red dirt of the Aussie desert is within a reasonable six-hour striking distance as well.

The ultimate Perth to Broome road trip: a 12-day WA itinerary

Next time you think road trip, go big and pick up some wheels in Perth for an epic 12-day trip north along the Western Australian ...

Pick the perfect campervan or motorhome for an unforgettable road trip

Is there anything better than a road trip holiday? The call of the open road beckoning you onwards, another discovery around every...

A Perth to Ningaloo Reef road trip itinerary

Road tripping your way from Perth to Ningaloo Reef is a bucket-list item all on its own, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and ...

A step by step guide to WA’s Golden Outback road trip

From desert plains to breathtaking coastline, a road trip into Western Australia’s Golden Outback really does have it all. The ...

Road trip: Perth to Wave Rock

On a road trip through the Golden Outback, explore Mulka’s Cave, Wave Rock and the Humps. Uncover the history of Hyden and York...

Railway adventures at The New South Wales Outback

A great Australian rail and road journey like no other, in the wonderful, timeless, colourful NSW Outback.

• 30 September – 08 October
• Expertly escorted
• Incredible scenery

Book a 4-day fabALICE festival pass for only $290!

When booking a 4-day fabALICE festival pass you receive access to five fabulous events for only $290 – retail value of $350. Enjoy priority seating and access, and experience the best events!

Save up to $600 per couple* On AAT Kings Outback Safari

World Heritage Sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are just the entrée to this deep dive into the Northern Territory. Explore ancient structures and culture on this tour, and eat a lot of food along the way. Image credit: Tourism NT

Spend quality time with your tribe nestled in nature

These one, two and three-bedroom villas are awaiting your tribe’s arrival, set amid the epic Greater Blue Mountains.

• Separate lounge & dining
• Private heated pool
• Majestic valley vistas

Unforgettable Escapes with Royal Caribbean

Discover South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand. Book your next getaway with up to 30% off plus, kids sail fr om $59/day.  

Exclusive offer – stay 3 nights and save 30%

Pamper yourself at a stunningly restored former Chaff Mill and save 30% -living history amongst organic shiraz vineyards. DATES: March 13 –   July 31 2023

• 3 weeknights or more
• Cont. breakfast & wine
• Promocode: “Austraveller30”

A luxury escape to JW Marriott Gold Coast

Experience ultimate luxury with two nights’ accommodation, plus breakfast for two daily, two welcome beverages on arrival, self-parking and $50 dining credit daily.

Your Country Escape Awaits

Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Greater Blue Mountains and save 10% when staying two nights or longer. *From complimentary inclusions

• Gourmet meals daily
• Selected wines & beers
• 2 on-site activities daily*

Northern Territory on SALE!

Seek something different this End Of Financial Year with these incredible Northern Territory travel deals on sale now!

• Discover unique experiences
• Join a guided tour
• Seek different in the NT

Your heavenly hideaway nestled in nature

Relax & connect with loved ones in these one, two- & three-bedroom villas, set amidst a 7,000 acre wilderness retreat.  

Road Trips from Adelaide

The best road trips in SA

Explore sinkholes, glowing pink and blue lakes, iconic wine regions and more as you journey through South Australia alon...

Adelaide sits in a fortunate position where all the vibrant colours of Australia are within a tantalisingly short drive. Outback South Australia remains a criminally underrated part of the country that’s home to some truly unique things that can’t be encountered elsewhere.

Drive up to the Flinders Ranges to witness Wilpena Pound – a massive, must-see natural amphitheatre that dwarfs Uluru, or head further north-west to opal-mining capital Coober Pedy and tick spending the night in an underground hotel off your bucket list.

Go the coastal route for your road trips instead, and you’ll be presented with some excellent diversity. The Eyre Peninsula , Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula each offer a fantastic blend of coastal scenery, seafood and some unique adventure experiences while Innes National Park in particular remains an immaculate seaside playground begging to be explored.

Pop your car on the ferry and travel across to Kangaroo Island , or stick to the mainland and indulge in the many food and wine-centric delights of the Barossa Valley and the entire Epicurean Way with minimal travel time from Adelaide on both ends.

A feel-good road trip itinerary for South Australia

What’s better than a road trip that crisscrosses beautiful wineries, incredible eateries and stunning scenery? Well, one that do...

Road Trips from Canberra

The best road trips in the ACT

Soak up the views in Lake George, discover the country town that was a former prisoner of war camp, hike to Gibraltar Fa...

Sitting inland, Canberra lies in a unique spot to provide access to a whole different array of road trips. With decent proximity to amazing alpine areas, rich highlands and verdant greenery – as well as Sydney and Melbourne in either direction – there’s a lot of driveable scenery within striking distance of our capital.

Drive to the winter playground of the Snowy Mountains which also becomes a pristine wonderland during the warmer months, and explore the many panoramas of Kosciuszko National Park by bike or by foot. For a slice of laid-back rural life rich in boutique cafes, acclaimed restaurants and intimate accommodation, the Southern Highlands are less than two hours drive away.

Follow the Monaro Highway down to Cooma and you’ll hit the tip of the gorgeous Sapphire Coast within a mere three hours – ideal for a more temperate climate escape from Canberra during the colder parts of the year. More stunning coastline awaits at Jervis Bay , home to some of the whitest sand in the country and numerous options for dolphin spotting and seaside relaxation.

The drive from Canberra to Sydney may only be an easy three hours at optimal pace, but there’s plenty of reasons to slow down and explore the many lovely villages dotted throughout the journey.

Things to see and do driving from Sydney to Canberra

The things to see and do during the three-hour drive from Sydney to Canberra. Sydney to Canberra is an easy three-hour run, but i...

Road Trips from Darwin

With some of Australia’s most-acclaimed national parks not too far away, it’s easy to see why Darwin remains one of the most popular springboards for road trips in the country. Forty minutes will get you to Berry Springs for a natural dip, while a mere 100km drive from Darwin is all you’ll have to invest to reach Litchfield National Park and its signature swimming holes, waterfalls and other wonders.

Extend the road trip to a couple of days, and its bigger brother Kakadu makes for one of the true dream destinations Australia has to offer. If you’re up for a challenge, combine them both and add in Katherine & Nitmiluk Gorge, and you’ve got the recipe for the complete Nature’s Way drive .

For those who don’t take their road trips lightly, Darwin also serves as the launchpad for two of the greatest multi-day drives our country has to offer: Darwin to Alice Springs (and onward to Uluru), and the even-more-epic crossing from Darwin to the Kimberley , culminating in Broome.

Incredible day trips from Darwin you need to try

A holiday to Darwin isn’t complete without venturing into the natural and cultural wonders that lie beyond its city lights. Here...

The ultimate Darwin to Broome road trip: a 10-day itinerary

This is the western half of the Savannah Way, if you are considering doing it all, then you will also need our itinerary and guide...

The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary

Adventure through the eastern side of the Savannah Way from Cairns to Darwin. Starting in Tropical North Queensland and finishing...

The best road trips in the NT

The ultimate adventure-lover's state offers up a dizzying array of national parks, waterholes, Aboriginal culture, and unforgettab...

The ultimate Kakadu to Arnhem Land itinerary

Delve deep into one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions on this epic road trip through Kakadu and Arnhem Land. �...

Alice to Darwin: A Guide On The Best Road Trip

Delve deep into one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions, the NT’s Top End, on an inspiring Alice Springs to Dar...

Road Trips in NSW

Regional New South Wales is a hotbed of gourmet delights and lush greenery for road trippers. Embark on a winding journey from Orange to Mudgee to a historic winemaking region through heritage towns and delicious farms on the NSW Food and Wine Trail, or follow the course of the Murray and Darling Rivers for a quality dose of indigenous history from Australia’s pioneer era.

Elsewhere, dense and World Heritage-listed rainforest shines as the backdrop for a drive with both the Rainforest Way (from Byron Bay) and Waterfall Way (from Coffs Harbour to Armidale). Towering waterfalls, amazing bushwalks and exceptional wildlife are just some of the highlights you’ll encounter on these drives.

Take this scenic route on your next Sydney to Newcastle road trip

With many of New South Wales’ best beach towns along the route, turning your Sydney to Newcastle drive into an experience is a m...

The perfect (undiscovered) Hunter Valley road trip route

It’s a well-trodden wine region but surprising nooks overflow along our unexpected Hunter Valley road trip itinerary. We’re a...

A road trip itinerary along the great Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Twist and turn along the Kosciuszko Alpine Way for a journey steeped in mythology and untold adventure. The Kosciuszko Alpine Way...

19 road trips in NSW you’ve never heard of

NSW is full of epic road trips to discover... You are spoilt for choice when it comes to road trips in NSW;  from the Grand Paci...

7 towns to visit on a day trip from Yamba to Coffs Harbour

The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour might be short (just under 1.5 hours), but there are some great little stop-offs worth con...

Top places to stop on your next Yamba to Byron Bay road trip

Surf beaches, nostalgic coastal towns and dense tropical wilderness – the road trip from Yamba to Byron Bay really does have it ...

The top towns to visit on a Sydney to Yamba road trip

Driving from Sydney to Yamba might involve winding along the NSW coast, but if you stick solely to the Pacific Highway you’ll ac...

13 must-dos while driving Tourist Drive 33

See a different side to the Central Coast by cruising along Tourist Drive 33: a lesser-driven road that winds through the hinterla...

An 8-day road trip itinerary along the NSW South Coast

Plot a course around the South Coast of NSW with our itinerary of must-dos. Book some annual leave, throw your bags, kids and dog...

Our illustrated map of NSW’s best road trips

Plot your next weekend away with this incredible map of NSW's best road trips. If you needed another reason to hit the road and e...

The great road trips of NSW: Central to Outback itinerary

Looking for the quintessential NSW road trip? Drive from Dubbo to Broken Hill on a meander from Central West to Outback through so...

The great road trips of NSW: Greater Blue Mountains itinerary

Whether you’re after a coastal drive, the sight of a winding road cutting through a barren landscape or the beauty of mountains ...

Prepare yourself for sweeping coastal views, a hidden national park, heart-pounding adventure activities and so much more along th...

How to go on a dog-friendly road trip in NSW

A dog-friendly road trip around regional New South Wales takes in some of the state’s most spectacular countryside – not to me...

Tweed Heads to Eden: How to spend 8 days driving the NSW coast

Heading south, David Levell takes in the beauty and simplicity that is the NSW coast. (more…)...

A NSW Outback road trip that goes beyond the back of beyond

To journey into the heart of outback New South Wales is to find the Australia depicted in movies; a moon-like landscape, home to o...

Road Trips in Queensland

The best road trips in Queensland

Travel from the coast to the outback and back again on any number of road trip journeys through Queensland. From stunnin...

Combining the best of the tropics and the outback, Queensland’s road trips showcase some of the greatest World Heritage sites Australia has to offer. From the vantage point of land, multiple coastal drives in Qld are oriented around the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, with several start and end points to choose from.

The most famous may be the extensive journey from Cairns to Cape York the “tip of Australia”, but even the stretch from Cairns to Cooktown dubbed the Great Tropical Drive offers an amazing coastal side featuring the best combination of reef and rainforest. Likewise, Cairns to Townsville, a.k.a the Great Green Way incorporates elements of both with added wetlands, waterfalls and mountains as an added bonus.

Of course, Queensland shines for far more than just the coast, and offers some darn good inland drives as well. Head through Outback QLD and tour past historic pubs, amazing sandstone national parks, and dine on regional fresh produce. Alternatively, cross the state from east to west via the Overlander’s Way and encounter incredible archeological discoveries, history-rich towns, and even more unique national parks.

For one of the most unique drives in Australia, hit the sands of Fraser Island’s 75 Mile Beach for a road trip on a “sand highway” amid a massive and gorgeous World Heritage listed island.

Cairns to Townsville: Top places to stop along The Hinchinbrook Way

A quintessential Tropical Queensland road trip awaits. Only 350 kilometres of road connects Cairns to Townsville and you can d...

A guide to the Great Beach Drive – one of Earth’s longest beach drives

Discover a different side to Noosa on board the Great Beach Drive – one of Earth’s longest coastal paths. The charms of Noosa...

A road trip through the outback Queensland towns you’ve never heard of

While most people pass through this part of Queensland on the way to somewhere else, the outback region of Balonne Shire has plent...

Unearth the surprises of the Scenic Rim

From camelcinos to Eweghurt, discover the dairy delights of the scenic rim, and plenty more surprises besides. Known as the 'gree...

Queensland’s Granite Belt road trip

Take a road trip through Queensland’s Granite Belt to discover some of the country’s most dramatic scenery and best cool-clima...

A trip to the tip: how to get to Cape York

A trip through rugged outback country is the only way to reach our country’s northernmost point, the tip of Cape York, and Austr...

Driving through the channel country – from Boulia to Winton

The drive between Boulia and Winton in Queensland's West covers some of the most spectacular land in our country, but few are luck...

Road Trips in Victoria

Prepare yourself to take the road less travelled as we introduce you to some of Victoria’s hidden-gem road trips. The...

Outside of Victoria’s most iconic road trips such as the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley are a number of excellent alternatives that may not get as much press, but are worthwhile all the same.

Australia’s longest river forms the backdrop for the Murray River Getaway road trip, blending together the ideal mix of laid-back country towns such as Mildura & Albury Wodonga, and riverfaring history, with the chance for a historic paddle boat ride at Echuca Moama a must-do along the way.

Aim your car towards the eastern corner of Victoria and drive to Gippsland , where verdant farmlands collide with pristine beaches and clusters of popular seaside villages ideal for sampling fresh seafood. Point it west, and take your pick of history or relaxation with a road trip to the Gold Rush-era-rich towns of Ballarat and Bendigo where interesting architecture abounds, or road trip to the Daylesford region for its renowned cross-section of scenery and pampering.

A road trip to the Victorian High Country also delivers, with its various peaks and autumn-draped villages like Bright and Beechworth offering top-notch dining, wines, and other gourmet delights.

A road trip along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail

From the coast to the bush, a leisurely road trip along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail is a ticket to chill. Ever come back fr...

Explore Victoria’s little-known Silo Art Trail

Get ready to marvel at the large-scale murals along the Silo Art Trail in Victoria. Stretching over 200 kilometres, Victoria’s ...

13 of the best things to do in the Grampians

Wondering what are the best things to do in the Grampians? Don't worry we have you covered with our 13 things you’ll definitely ...

Victoria’s dream coastal road trip: Melbourne to Lakes Entrance

Heading to Mallacoota? Take a road trip detour to discover these special spots along the way. Golden sandy beaches that stretch f...

Five Mornington Peninsula food and wine roadtrips

Mornington Peninsula is a labyrinth of wineries and a foodie haven. Here are the 5 wine and food stops you'll want to plan into ...

Road Trips in Western Australia

The best road trips in WA

Uncrowded roads, remote landscapes and breathtaking coastal drives along the edge of Australia lead the way to swims und...

WA provides a strong showing in the road trip category, with an array of journeys both short and (very, very) long.

Home to some of the most famous 4WD road trips in Australia, it contains the Gibb River Road – a drive that provides one of the last remaining “unfiltered” outback trips available. Stretching from Kununurra to Broome, it’s a staggering mix of massive cattle stations, fiery earth, and escapist wilderness retreats that’s not without challenges but brings massive rewards as well.

The state’s outback theme continues with both the Canning Stock Route – a bumpy route renowned as one of the loneliest of its kind in the world – and the journey from WA to Uluru via the Great Central Road. Providing even more examples of incredible rugged scenery, the route from Port Hedland to Onslow exploring the Pilbara is exceptional, with a top to see the unique rock formations and water holes of Karijini National Park a must.

Keeping things a little less adventurous, but no less rewarding, the more reasonable coastal treks to locations such as Dunsborough (renowned for its whale watching) and Busselton (pretty coastline and an iconic jetty) offer an entirely different colour palette.

Gibb River Rd – here’s everything you need to know

There are many wondrous things to see along the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road in Western Australia's Kimberley but, no matter whi...

Here’s how to road trip the Kimberley

There’s something cathartic about hitting the open road and letting it roll beneath you for hours and hours. Welcome to the Kimb...

Iconic WA Road Trips: The Kimberley Wilderness Loop

There’s an indescribable energy to the Kimberley, an intoxicating feeling that permeates your body the minute you set foot on it...

The Western Australian silo trail just waiting to be driven

In the heart of the Western Australian wheatbelt region, radical expressions of art have transformed grain silos into art gallerie...

Road trip: Esperance to Kalgoorlie

Discover Kalgoorlie, a frontier town with a colourful history, and the world’s largest outdoor art gallery at Lake Ballard, WA,...

Road trip: Hopetoun to Esperance

On part 3 of her Golden Outback road trip, Jenny Ringland eases into Esperance. There, she finds breathtakingly beautiful beaches...

Road Trips in Tasmania

Tasmania’s best 7-day road trip itinerary

Discover majestic waterfalls, hike around glacial lakes, indulge in gourmet food and wine on an epic road trip around Au...

Tasmania crams so much amazing scenery into such a small space that it makes it the perfect state for road-tripping. Draped in national parks and possessing some of the greatest alpine views Australia has to offer, there’s no shortage of incredible sites within easy striking distance of both Hobart and Launceston.

Tasmania’s East Coast is a typical and much-acclaimed starting point for your Tassie road trip adventures. Driving down here encompasses a blend of bays with pristine sands, varied coastal national parks, and the iconic orange-lichen-coated rocks contrasting with vivid blue waters that make for such a unique panorama. From above Binalong Bay down to Bicheno and on to Freycinet National Park , you’ll be able to witness some of the state’s most famous icons including the Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay.

On the west coast, a road trip reveals very different different scenery – the West Coast Wilderness is a lush green area teeming with towering waterfalls, towns dotted with grand historic buildings, and winding rivers through dense and ancient wilderness.

Those with an interest in history will be in their element in Tasmania, as the Convict Trail road trip blends together Australian pioneer history (including the Port Arthur Historic Site ), awe-inspiring seascapes and towering cliff faces.

Lastly, for a taste of the good stuff, a drive through the Tamar Valley presents not only the chance to indulge your taste buds but your eyes as well, encompassing some of Australia’s oldest settlements.

The best road trips in Tasmania

The island state of Australia was practically made for long, dreamy drives – and we've narrowed it down to the best road trips i...

The beautiful Tasmanian road trip you didn’t know existed

If you're ready for adventure, buckle up for the scenic, gourmet drive of your life... Tasmania’s North East is the home of stu...

Road-tripping Tasmania: a tale of three bridges

A trio of historic Tasmanian bridges - three of the four oldest in Australia - are the destination as well as part of the journey....

A road trip guide to Tasmania’s east coast

Blindingly beautiful coastline. An internationally lauded food culture. Literally, the world’s best boutique hotel. And barely a...

More Experiences in Australia to Explore

• Affordable Holidays
• Beach Holidays
• Camping Holidays
• Cruise Holidays
• Family Holidays
• Food & Wine
• Island Holidays
• Outback Holidays
• Luxury Escapes
• Romantic Getaways
• Ski and snow
• Weekends Away
• Walking & Hiking

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

10 of the best road trips in Australia

Nov 27, 2023 • 8 min read

From short scenic drives to epic countrywide journeys, here are the best road trips in Australia © John W Banagan / Getty Images

Australia is a country designed for road trips, with a diversity of landscapes and a scale that’s almost unrivaled anywhere in the world. 

Whether you want to squeeze in a day trip or pack up and go wherever the wind takes you, these driving routes won’t disappoint. Here are 10 of our favorite road trips in Australia .

1. Nullarbor Plain, South Australia

Drive the world's longest golf course Ceduna–Norseman 1200km (745 miles), allow two days

Arid, remote and stretching to the horizon, the treeless Nullarbor Plain is the stuff of road-trip legend: it’s the longest, straightest and flattest road in the country. While most believe that the journey along the Eyre Highway is only broken by the occasional roadhouse, there are some unexpected surprises along the way. For example, it’s home to the  Nullarbor Links , the world’s longest golf course. The 18-hole course spans 1365km (848 miles), with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the way. A scorecard is available for a nominal fee, which goes towards the upkeep of the course.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The best road trip for epic coastal views Torquay–Allansford, 243km (150 miles); allow two to three days

Follow the wild southern coastline of Australia’s best scenic road trip: the Great Ocean Road . Start at the legendary surf town of Torquay, explore welcoming country towns like Lorne, and keep an eye out for koalas in Otway National Park, before taking in the iconic  Twelve Apostles . These are the main drawcard for photographers on this stretch of road, with just eight of these limestone stacks left standing sentinel along what’s also known as the Shipwreck Coast. 

While the Great Ocean Road can be tackled in a day, it’s best to stretch it over several. This will allow you ample time to stop for seafood in towns along the way (such as Apollo Bay, which hosts an annual seafood festival) and hike coastal trails found just off the highway.  

Planning tip: The weather is highly changeable along Victorian coastlines, so make sure you’re prepared for all seasons. If you’re behind the wheel, be mindful the roads are slippery when wet.

3. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

The ultimate scenic day trip from Sydney Royal National Park, Sydney–Shoalhaven, 140km (86 miles), allow one day

The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect day trip from Sydney . First, wind south through the eucalyptus forests of the Royal National Park . After crossing the weir at Audley, stop for a break at the Stanwell Tops cliffs, a popular hang-gliding spot and an excellent vantage point to watch whales between May and October.

Then, turn onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive. With both lanes suspended above the ocean, it’s easy to see why this stunning spot has played a starring role in numerous car commercials and photoshoots. You’ll then continue past clifftop pubs, small coastal villages, swimming beaches and rock pools, before arriving at the  Kiama blowhole . Finish your day with a walk around the harbor at Shoalhaven.

Detour: Budget enough time for a swim at secluded Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park, where you’ll find a cascading waterfall and a calm seaside lagoon.

4. The Coral Coast Highway, Western Australia

The best road trip for marine wildlife Perth–Exmouth, 1250km (776 miles), allow two weeks

Leave the city behind and head north along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, with the Indian Ocean to your left and red outback scenes on your right. This is a road trip for visitors with time to spare, with countless worthwhile stops along the way.

The first is the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park , where hundreds of limestone formations rise from the ground. Further north up the coast, you can watch dolphins approach the shoreline at  Monkey Mia in Shark Bay. And along the way, you can camp at traditional outback stations or farms, where living and working on the land is a way of life. 

The highlight of this drive, though, might be its final destination: Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth , which offers some of the country’s best snorkeling and diving, including alongside whale sharks and humpback whales. 

Planning tip: This is one drive you won’t want to see end. Fortunately, if time permits, you can continue your journey further north up the Pilbara Coast to Broome .

5. Hobart to Bruny Island, Tasmania

The best road trip for foodies Hobart–Bruny Island, 100km (62 miles), one day

Located a short drive southwest from Hobart , Bruny Island is one of Australia’s most mouthwatering foodie destinations. Wear your stretchy pants, as you’ll pass dozens of local producers on this day trip. 

Take the car ferry at Kittering to the north of the island and follow your stomach to feast on freshly shucked oysters, handmade cheese and local whisky direct from the producers at farm gates and cellar doors across the island. Cross the narrow isthmus known as  the Neck – which connects north and south Bruny – and finish your trip with a tour of Bruny Island’s 19th-century lighthouse .

Planning tip: Set out from Hobart early, as the line for the ferry can be long on weekends and public holidays.

6. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland

The best drive for getting back to nature Cairns–Cape Tribulation, 140km (86 miles), allow at least two days

The world’s oldest rainforest, at roughly 150 million years old, the Daintree is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with incredible species such as cassowaries (giant colorful flightless birds) and tree kangaroos hidden beneath its canopy. It’s also significant in that it borders another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Great Barrier Reef .

You can explore both rainforest and reef on this drive into Queensland ’s Wet Tropics. Head north from Cairns , stopping along the way in the resort towns of Port Douglas and get ready to dive in – its marina is one of the main departure points for trips to the outer reef. Along the way, detour to explore the Daintree’s Mossman Gorge , where Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guides will demonstrate traditional use of plants beside the crystal clear Mossman River. Finally, cross the Daintree River on a car ferry to Cape Tribulation , an off-grid eco haven. 

Planning tip: The heat might be on and the water might look lovely, but only swim if in designated safe swimming areas – this is crocodile country.

7. Gibb River Road, Western Australia

Australia’s best 4WD adventure Derby–Kununurra, 660km (410 miles), allow 10–14 days.

Wild, unpredictable and remote, the Gibb River Road is pure outback adventure. Open from around May to September during the dry season, this 660km (410-mile) route follows corrugated (washboard) roads, dirt tracks and multiple river crossings, with challenging 4WD sections best left to experienced drivers. Shelter under endemic boab trees said to be over 1500 years old, hike to swim in the cascading natural pools at Mitchell Falls , and get to know the untamed wilderness of the Kimberley , one of northwestern Australia’s most intriguing and desolate regions.

Planning tip: Carry adequate supplies, including water, paper maps and fuel. If you break down, stay with your vehicle. If you’re not confident taking a self-drive visit, several tour operators exist in the region.

8. The Explorer’s Way: South Australia to the Northern Territory

Best long-distance drive Adelaide–Alice Springs, 1500km (932 miles), six days

Following a route originally mapped out in the late 19th century for the Overland Telegraph Line, the Explorer’s Way runs all the way from Adelaide to Darwin . However, you only need to drive a portion of it to understand what a truly enormous feat it was to map. Starting from the neatly manicured vineyards of Adelaide wine country, you’ll watch the landscape shift into the big red majesty of Australia’s outback.

Along the way to Alice Springs , explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park , beat the heat by staying in underground accommodation in Coober Pedy – famous for its opal mining – and hit up Uluru and Kings Canyon. As you drive, keep an eye out for feral camels; they’re descendants of the ones first used by Afghan cameleers to help chart the path and transport supplies. 

Detour: Don’t miss the pink-hued waters of Lake Bumbunga, north of Adelaide. Its unique color – caused by algae – varies depending on the water’s salinity. It typically has its best Barbie moments in the spring and autumn.

9. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

Best journey into the the heart of Australia Alice Springs–Alice Springs, 700km (434 miles), six days

This spectacular road trip hits up some of the same spots as the Explorer’s Way, but is intended to be done at a more relaxed pace by looping round the Red Centre’s biggest attractions. Departing from Alice Springs, take a break to cool off in water holes at Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges and climb to the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. 

The main attraction for most, though, will be Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , where you can walk 10km (6 miles) around the base of the world’s most famous monolith and head to watch the sunset over the domes of nearby Kata Tjuta.

Planning tip: All of the major attractions along the Red Centre Way can be reached in a regular car, but if you plan to complete the full loop, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD for the Mereenie section.

10. The Big Lap

The trip for those who want to see it all Over 14,000km (8700 miles), allow at least six months – or a lifetime

There’s no Australian road trip more iconic than National Highway 1, one of the longest highways in the world. Encircling the entire country and popular with backpackers and gray nomads, it’s known as “the Big Lap" – but the exact route and detours you take will depend on your budget , the time of year , your departure point and how much time you have to spare.

Generally, travelers head north in the winter and south in the summer, all in a bid to avoid the wet season. Following the sun will give you a crash course in long-distance car travel, where you’ll build camaraderie with your fellow travelers and see the incredible diversity Australia has to offer.

This article was first published September 2020 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

Mar 28, 2023 • 6 min read

More than just tarmac, these road-trip destinations deliver world-class motoring, spectacular scenery and side adventures to keep you busy for days.

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Feb 13, 2022 • 6 min read

Nov 23, 2021 • 5 min read

Nov 22, 2021 • 6 min read

Jun 1, 2021 • 6 min read

Mar 2, 2021 • 6 min read

Sep 24, 2020 • 7 min read

Feb 8, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 27, 2019 • 7 min read

Australia Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

Australia Self Drive tours are the perfect way to see the highlights of Australia at your own pace. You are in total control of the adventure as you explore Australia’s famous destinations and local gems off-the-beaten path. We take Australia’s incredible road trip itineraries and create spectacular self drive vacation packages including flights, hotels and car rentals. Our self drive itineraries also include maps, tours and local sightseeing tips so you can get the most out of your road trip. Everything is taken care of so you can have the adventure of a lifetime.

Dreaming of an epic month-long journey in Australia? Looking to spend 3 weeks, or maybe more, driving along Australia’s coasts? We have a number of designed road trip itineraries that take a leisurely tread across Australia’s most enchanting regions. Our About Australia travel experts are also at hand to create a custom trip entirely from scratch to suit your style and interests. We also arrange motorhome and RV trips in Australia so you can get as up close and personal with the road as you like! 

Experience Australia’s Best Self Drive Tours

Most of Australia’s best road trips run along scenic coasts, treading through beautiful beach towns and unique natural wonders. These are just a few of the top self drives in Australia:

Australia’s Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road in the Australian state Victoria is one of the world’s top road trips. Rugged coastlines, wild beaches and breathtaking limestone formations are just a few of treasures you’ll find along the way. See these wonders for yourself on our Great Ocean Road and Beyond Self Drive trip.

Great Barrier Reef Self Drive

On the Great Barrier Reef Drive in Queensland, venture into two natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics. Explore vibrant tropical towns as you venture into the underwater treasures of the reef and discover the oldest rainforest system in the world. Experience it with our Great Barrier Reef Drive & Sydney Trip.

Legendary Grand Pacific Drive

Drive along white sand beaches and pastel coastal towns on the Legendary Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Just hours away from Sydney, this road trip is a popular local favorite to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Take this journey on our Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip.

Western Australia Self Drive

Remote and removed from Australia’s east coast, this part of the country remains quite untouched and naturally stunning. Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the base for many road trip adventures throughout the state. Taste your way through the Margaret River wine region, swim at gorgeous white sand beaches and visit idyllic Rottnest Island. Our Australia Gems Coast to Coast self drive takes you on a road trip journey in Western Australia before exploring the east coast.

Tasmania Self Drive

Australia’s island state is a popular destination to drive through historic towns, burgeoning wine regions, rugged coasts and natural scenery. The east coast of Tasmania boasts stunning national parks, white sand beaches, pink granite outcroppings and ancient bushland. Further inland the mountains tower over mirror lakes, fern-wreathed forest and fertile valleys. Our Australia Islands, Nature & Wildlife self drive takes you through Tasmania’s east coast along with iconic Australian must-do’s.

Australia’s East Coast Self Drive

For many travelers, the ultimate bucket list road trip is driving along Australia’s East Coast. Lined by Australia’s most famous beach towns, extraordinary coastlines and rainforest hinterland, the east coast is simply a feast for the eyes. Whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, beach bumming – these are just the firsts of the adventures found along the way. Check out our East Coast of Australia Drive to inspire your trip!

Plan Your Australia Self Drive Tour Today

Browse our recommended regional road trips in Australia’s states of Victoria , Western Australia ,  South Australia and New South Wales . All of our itineraries can be customized to your style and budget, tailored to the perfect trip just for you.

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Port Campbell, Halls Gap, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Blue Mountains & Sydney

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Mountains, Natural Wonders, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

Tour Type: Independent Travel

Class: 3 - 4 stars

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Batemans Bay, Lakes Entrance, Phillip Island, Melbourne, Airlie Beach & Brisbane

Activities: Art, Beaches, City Sights, City Walking Tour, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Scenic Lookouts, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife

Destinations: Australia – Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville & Cairns

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Island Experiences, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming

Destinations: Australia – Port Douglas, Daintree, Rose Gums, Cairns & Sydney

Activities: Beaches, Birds, City Sights, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Rest & Relaxation, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Waterfalls, Wildlife

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Airlie Beach & Sydney

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming

Destinations: Australia – Port Douglas, Melbourne, Freycinet, Port Arthur & Hobart

Activities: Birds, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions, Wildlife, Wildlife Encounters, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Warnambool), Grampians (Halls Gap) & Melbourne

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Great Barrier Reef, Local Flavor, Mountains, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Wildlife in the Wild, Wine

Destinations: Australia – Sydney, Rose Gums, Port Douglas, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Birds, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Nature, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Train & Cairns

Activities: Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Local Flavor, Rainforest, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming

Destinations: Australia – Hamilton Island, Melbourne, Launceston, Freycinet, Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley & Adelaide

Activities: Beaches, Coastal Drives, Coastal Lookouts, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Island Experiences, Local Flavor, Local Markets, Natural Wonders, Nature, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Port Douglas, Sydney

Activities: Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Coastal Lookouts, Educational, Foodie, Great Barrier Reef, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Local Markets, Natural Wonders, Nature, Rainforest, Sailing, Scenic Lookouts, Short Walks, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

Destinations: Australia – Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, Hobart, Melbourne, Hamilton Island, Gold Coast, Sydney

Activities: Beaches, City Sights, Coastal, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Mountains, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Swimming, Wildlife, Wildlife Encounters, Food & Wine

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, The Ghan, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas & Sydney

Activities: Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, Coastal, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Outback, Rainforest, Scenic Lookouts, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Train Rides, Wildlife

Destinations: Australia – Melbourne, Great Ocean Road (Apollo Bay, Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor), Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Sydney

Activities: Art, Aboriginal Culture, Beaches, City Sights, City Walking Tour, Coastal Drives, Cruises, Great Barrier Reef, Historical Landmarks, Island Experiences, Kangaroos, Koalas, Local Flavor, Natural Wonders, Nature, Outback, Small Towns & Villages, Snorkeling, Wildlife, Wildlife in the Wild

• Newsletter Signup
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Australia Vacations
• Tailor-Made Vacations
• Escorted Tours
• Travel Agents
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Visa
• FAQs & Australia Travel Tips
• Travel Blog
• All Galleries
• Photographers

• Best Road Trips in Australia for Campervans

Australia Road Trip Planner

18 of the best road trips in australia.

Australia Road Trip Map : Click on the route for a link to the itinerary, or browse below.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

These east coast Australia road trips combine two or more of the above road trips. Itineraries range from 1 to 7 weeks.

Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 348 km | 7 hrs drive  | 1 - 2 weeks 4 days for the road trip plus 10 days to explore the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes and the Atherton Tablelands. 

Brisbane to Cairns Drive 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks Explore the tropical northern stretch of the East Coast. 11 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree and Port Douglas. 

Melbourne to Brisbane Drive 2,930 km | 54 hrs drive | 5 weeks 28 days for the road trip, plus 6 days to explore Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Sydney to Cairns Drive 3,487 km | 55 hrs drive  | 5 weeks Nearly all of the east coast. 26 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns. 

Melbourne to Cairns Drive 4,787 km | 55 hrs drive | 6 - 7 weeks Explore the entire East Coast of Australia from end to end. 30 - 40 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns.

Road Trip Around Australia

We have three key routes for a road trip around Australia. 

• The first route is a simple circumnavigation of the continent, but this misses the important central desert region with Uluru, the Olgas and Coober Pedy. 
• The second route includes central Australia and can either start in Cairns and end in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and end in Cairns. 
• The third route builds upon the second route by looping in Broken Hill, Mungo National Park and rural New South Wales. Its start and end points are Cairns and Sydney.

Road Trips by State

• NEW SOUTH WALES
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• NORTHERN TERRITORY

Driving in Australia

Australia is larger than you might think - as large as the USA without Alaska and three quarters the size of Europe. It is also extremely diverse with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, the outback desert and rolling green pastures. If you jet set from city to city, you'll miss all this.

The best (and cheapest) way to experience Australia is to hire a campervan and take a road trip. That way you have the freedom to can set your own itinerary, be spontaneous, take the road less travelled, and stop where you want for as long as you want.

With a kitchen in the back seat, you can pull into a stunning location, make lunch and soak in the views. It's the most convenient, affordable and memorable way to dine. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, your home is where ever you park it. 

You will soon discover the camaraderie of the campervan community - kindred spirits who like to get off the beaten path, who appreciate the beauty of Australia, and are eager to share a few tips and their favorite camping locations with you. As Edith Wharton once said  "One of the great things about travel is you discover how many good, kind people there are."

In this Road Trip Planner we detail some of the best road trips in Australia to help you plan your campervan self-drive itinerary.

• Cairns day trips
• Atherton Tablelands & Wooroonooran National Park
• Kuranda and Barron Falls
• Cairns to Hinchinbrook Is.
• Cairns to Cooktown
• Cairns to Townsville  
• Townsville day trips
• Townsville to Cairns
• Townsville to Airlie Beach
• Queensland Outback  (Townsville - Cunnamulla - Brisbane)
• Airlie Beach to Townsville  (and Cairns)
• Airlie Beach to Brisbane  (and Gold Coast)
• Brisbane to Gold Coast
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Gold Coast to Sydney
• Gold Coast day trips
• Brisbane day trips

New South Wales

• Sydney's National Parks
• Sydney's Top Walks
• Hunter Valley wine region
• Central Coast
• Port Stephens
• Blue Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands
• The Snowy Mountains
• Sydney - Melbourne Coast
• Sydney - Canberra - Melbourne
• Sydney - Gold Coast
• Broken Hill
• Canberra 
• Grampians | Murray River
• Great Ocean Road
• Mornington Pensinsula
• Phillip Island
• Wilsons Promontory
• Victorian Alps | High Plains
• Yarra Valley | Dandenongs
• Melbourne - Sydney coast
• Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney
• Melbourne - Adelaide

South Australia

• Barossa Valley wines
• Murray River
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt. Gambier
• Coonawarra wine & Naracoorte Caves
• Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
• Adelaide Hills Activities 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Coorong
• Adelaide to Melbourne
• Outback: Adelaide to Sydney
• Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip
• Adelaide to Perth Road Trip
• Coober Pedy
• Eyre Peninsula

Western Australia

• 3 days in Perth - things to do
• The Perfect WA Roadtrip (South of Perth)
• Yanchep National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Bunbury and Busselton
• Margaret River
• Pemberton Forests
• The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin in 6 days
• Broome to Perth in 19 days
• Perth to Adelaide in 16 days

Northern Territory

• Litchfield National Park
• The Pilbara
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and the Olgas
• Macdonnell Ranges

Other Blogs & Relevant Information

• Driving Distances and Petrol Prices
• Oz Parks Australia's Newest National Caravan & Tourist Park Chain
• Top Islands to visit in Australia
• Top Australian cultural experiences
• Top Australian animal experiences
• 7 reasons why Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia
• 10 movie locations to visit in Australia

Itineraries

Sign up for amazing offers exclusive access for offers and promotions

Campervan hire depots, airlie beach.

Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223

20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013 Phone: 1800 216 223

440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223

273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223

23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah, Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

Road Trips Australia

Travel made easy.

Adventure begins here...

For the best australian road trips and driving holidays, road trips in queensland.

Discover road trips in Queensland: tropical rainforest, stretching from the Bunya Mountains in the south to Baron Gorge in the North. Swim in natural rockpools at Finch Hatton Gorge or snorkel peacefully with fish and coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on a tropical beach: perhaps Mission Beach or Magnetic Island. Remember the sunscreen!

Road Trips in Victoria

Find the best road trips from Melbourne: Venture along the scenic coastline known as the Great Ocean Road. Explore seaside towns before venturing inland to the Grampians or Snowy Mountains. Experience a close encounter with Fairy Penguins on Philip Island, and get close to the most southern point of Australia at Wilson's Promontory National Park.

Road Trips Nothern Territory

Travel Northern Territory: Experience the true Red Centre. Drive through the open savannah to the rolling formations of Devil's Marbles, be wowed by the sheer cliffs of Kings Canyon, and experience Australia's icon Uluru. To the north, behold gorges, warm springs, and waterfalls. Feel a connection to the ancient landscape entwined with Aboriginal culture.

Road Trips in New South Wales

Plan a trip through NSW, with these detailed road trip itineraries. From the vibrant city of Canberra to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Follow windy roads through tall eucalypt forests and stop over in historic towns. Take in the views from one of many lookouts over the Blue Mountains, or enter into a cave tour. Fall in love with the deep blue ocean and beaches of Eden, Jervis Bay in the south, and Hat Head and Byron Bay in the north...

Road Trips in South Australia

Plan a South Australia road trip to discover another piece of Australia. Leave Adelaide City behind for a Limestone Coast adventure. Relax watching the sunset over Coffin Bay; how about some Coffin Bay Oysters matched with a local South Australian wine? Uncover the natural beauty of the Gawler Ranges and Flinders Ranges. Travel beyond the vast open desert and visit inland lakes, springs, and historic Ghan railway ruins via the Oodnadatta Track to Coober Pedy... 

Road Trips in Western Australia

Discover self-drive road trips from Perth. These journeys display picture-perfect boulder-lined bays or panoramic vistas from WA's highest peak at Stirling Range. To the north, behold the unique rock formations of the Cervantes and snorkel Coral Bay or feed Dolphins in Denham. Cool off in waterfalls and rock pools at Karijini National Park, surrounded by the rugged red Pilbara region.

Featured Articles

Camping coffee makers, guide to portable coffee makers, 13 unforgettable stops, sydney to melbourne road trip, guide to delicious food, to take camping, guide to bushwalking with kids, adventures in nature, discover the best road trip planner australia in 2024, too busy to plan we've got this..

Explore Road Trips Australia to discover a wide range of road trip planners and driving holiday itineraries throughout Australia. This content is designed to help you plan the perfect road trip adventure. Whether you’re a family looking to escape on school holidays, a working couple with limited time, empty nesters seeking a group adventure, or an overseas visitor trying to figure out where to start, we’ve got you covered. With our comprehensive guides, travel planning has never been easier.

Why Have a Planned Road Trip Itinerary?

• Having a planned road trip allows you to incorporate and discover new locations and places of interest into your trip.
• To use your allocated time away effectively.   
• Not left guessing where to go next.
• Avoid disappointment if a destination is booked out.
• Family and friends know your location (for safety purposes).
• Packing: you can be better prepared if your destinations are known!

All You Need for the Perfect Road Trip Escape

• Choose a planned road trip by Road Trips Australia. Easy Right? 
• Each road trip has a map, and here is your packing list and meal planning guide !
• Consider taking your adventure further from home with a fly-and-drive road trip. You can check out the Motorhome Republic to explore motorhome hire from your chosen capital city. 
• Want a road trip adventure but need the gear? Check out Camplify for RV (Recreational Vehicle) hire near me or our guide to camping gear .

Road Trip Planner for School Holidays Australia

Road Trips Australia has planned amazing road trip itinerary’s , perfect for a school holiday adventure! With 7 and 14-day road trips from every capital city in Australia, it is achievable to explore Australia piece by piece. So begin your quest for an exciting school holiday filled with exploration with Road Trips Australia.

Discover the Best Camping Food

Planning your camping and travel meals ahead of time can make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable. See our top picks for the best camping food ideas, from quick and simple meals to more gourmet options, including variations for vegan and vegetarian meals. 

Essential Navigation Apps Australia

Embarking on a journey, whether a weekend getaway or a grand driving holiday adventure, requires careful planning and access to reliable information. In the digital age, travel apps have revolutionized the way we explore. Discover essential travel apps that can enhance your travel experience. 

Best Camping Gear Australia

When camping in parts of Australia, having the right gear can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. From tents and sleeping bags to cooking equipment and lighting, explore these articles to discover the best camping gear available in Australia, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next adventure in the great outdoors!

The "Go to" Website for Road Trips Australia

Guide to the simpson desert.

Escaping to the centre of Australia may be on your bucket list! This epic trip is definitely not for the faint-hearted. But with our guide to crossing the Simpson Desert, you can be well-prepared for an unforgettable journey through Australia's Desert Parks.

Best Stops Pacific Highway

Be taken on a journey along the NSW east coast Pacific Highway. Discover BIG things, like 'the big axe' to 'the big prawn'! Visit hip seaside towns, stop to enjoy sweeping ocean views or explore rainforests and waterfalls...Ready to go?

Guide to Victoria High Country

Embark on the unforgettable road trip journey through the stunning Victoria High Country. Discover it's beauty, plan your trip, and ensure safety with this ultimate guide to the Australian Alpine country...

7 and 14-day Road Trips

7-day road trip from brisbane.

Discover the best of south-east Queensland on a 7-day road trip escape from Brisbane. Explore beaches, wine regions, charming towns and waterfalls...

South Australia in 7-days

Discover the ultimate 7-day road trip itinerary from Adelaide through South Australia. Follow our guide to an unforgettable adventure that begins here!

14-day Tasmania Road Trip

Embark on a captivating Tasmania road trip, exploring stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Discover the best of Tasmania on this unforgettable journey...

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and travel. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

• Advertise with us
• Work with us
• Caravan & Camping with Kids
• Ski & Snowboard with Kids
• The LUXE Edit
• Family Matters by HWK
• Newsletter Signup
• Magazine Subscriptions

13 of the best Australian road trips for families

Australia is a country rich with vast and diverse landscapes. From desert plains and rolling rural hills to coastlines, cities, rainforests, and everything in between, Australia has it all. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Australia is a road trip across every state and territory. We’ve compiled a selection of the best road trips for families in Australia. Read on and prepare to be inspired.

Western Australia road trip:  Great South West Edge

Travel time: 10-12 days

The southwestern corner of WA has it all, and more. Encompassing undulating farmland, ancient forests, world-class wineries and sheltered swimming bays. As well as fields of wildflowers and pods of dolphins frolicking offshore.

The route: Traversing a hefty 1,200 kilometres from Perth to Esperance along the Great South West Edge. This family road trip route showcases the very best of Margaret River, Denmark, Albany and Busselton.

Don’t miss  A beach photo-op with the kangaroo residents at Lucky Bay.

Driving tip: If you’re not short on time, circle back to Perth via Hyden to check out the weather-sculpted Wave Rock.

Where to stay: St Mary Inlet, Moingup Springs and Boranup are just three of countless back-to-nature campsites in the region.

Lesser known WA road trip:  Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Travel time: 3 days

If eerie ghost towns, rugged landscapes and classic Aussie pubs sound up your alley, follow in the footsteps of legendary pioneers through what is one of the world’s biggest gold-producing regions.

The route: This 965 kilometre off the beaten track road trip covers Western Australia’s goldfields and wheatbelt, from Coolgardie to Laverton

Don’t miss Spotting the striking sculptures around Lake Ballard, standing over Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit (one of Australia’s largest active gold mines), fossicking for nuggets and exploring the spooky streets of deserted gold-rush town Gwalia.

Driving tip: This outback safari is best suited to a 4WD, due to the number of unsealed roads. Bring supplies of fuel, water and food and handy tools to avoid a pickle during long driving distances.

Where to stay: Spend nights at Hoover House B&B. It was once home to Herbert Hoover, who went on to become the 31st president of the United States. The Kookynie Hotel and Lake Ballard Campground , the latter of which enjoys fantastic views and has on-site toilets.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in Western Australia

The best Western Australia road trips from Perth

Nullarbor Plain – South Australia to Western Australia

Travel time: 4-6 days

Got a thing for wide, open spaces? Set your sights on the legendary – and (almost) treeless – Nullarbor Plain. First impressions (that it’s flat and empty) aside, there’s bundles to see and do. You’ll spot bountiful wildlife (emus, kangaroos, dingoes, camels and falcons, just to name a few) and explore an enigmatic collection of caves or tee off at the world’s longest golf course.

The route: Over a minimum of four days you’ll cross three-time zones. At 1,675 kilometres, the Nullarbor Plain is the longest stretch of straight road anywhere in the world. It’s a two-lane bitumen highway between the Eyre Peninsula and the WA border.

Don’t miss: Standing atop the remarkable Bunda Cliffs. The cliffs drop spectacularly into the Southern Ocean below and offer a great vantage spot to spy passing whales.

Driving tip: While the road may be sealed, it is very much off the beaten track. Make sure you fuel up and pack some extra water.

Where to stay: Take your pick of motels attached to roadhouses or numerous caravan parks with campsites. Be sure to spend a night in the historical shearers’ quarters at Fraser Range Station.

South Australia road trip: The Seafood Frontier

Travel time: 5-7 days

When it comes to Aussie seaside drives, the Great Ocean Road is always front of mind. But if you’ve been there and done that – or don’t fancy fighting the traffic – head to the Eyre Peninsula. Here, you will encounter a string of deserted beaches, an abundance of seafood and oceanic encounters – fancy swimming with sea lions or great whites?

The route:   The Seafood Frontier stretches 700 kilometres from Whyalla to Ceduna via Port Lincoln, with a long list of side trips.

Don’t miss:   Plucking oysters straight from the sea at Coffin Bay, snorkelling among the changing colours of Whyalla’s giant cuttlefish during their migration, sandboarding at Gunyah Beach and discovering the jaw-dropping caves of Talia Beach.

Driving tip: Combine this journey with the Nullarbor Plain for an epic adventure through the Great Australian Bight

Where to stay: Beachside campsites are scattered along the coastline. Or treat yourself to a deluxe cabin at BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park or Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore .

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in South Australia

The best South Australia road trips from Adelaide

Northern Territory road trip:  Red Centre Way

Travel time: 7 days

The Red Centre Way road trip puts you underneath endless starry skies and as close to the middle of nowhere as you can get. Adults and kids alike will get the perspective to look at the world in a whole new way. Discover sacred sites and the unique world view of the traditional custodians of this wild and desolate land

The route: This 1,135-kilometre loop beginning and ending in the outback town of Alice Springs meets NT landmarks at every turn. While Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are the major drawcards, there are plenty of other reasons to linger. Among them are the tranquil swimming holes of the West MacDonnell Ranges and the red cabbage palms of Finke Gorge National Park, which exist nowhere else in the world.

Don’t miss : Bruce Munro’s extraordinary Field of Light installation – 50,000 poppy-like stems tipped with glowing frosted glass, lighting up the red sands in front of Uluru.

Driving tip: This is the outback, so come prepared. Although 2WDs are quite common in dry weather, bring all the essentials (water, food and fuel) just in case you get into a sticky situation.

Where to stay: As a halfway point between Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon Resort is perfect for an overnighter.

Lesser known NT road trip: Arnhem Way

Travel time: 7-10 days

Considered one of Australia’s last unspoiled wilderness areas, Arnhem Way will transport you to a far-flung land of blazingly red earth, open savannah, croc-filled creeks and azure seas. And then there’s the spiritual pull. This part of Australia is home to less than 20,000 people, the traditional owners of the Yolngu nation who have lived here for millennia.

The route: The Central Arnhem Road starts 50 kilometres south of Katherine and finishes in dramatic Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula.

Don’t miss : Browsing the local arts and crafts at Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, rewarding yourself with a sunset drink at the Gove Boat Club, joining an Aboriginal cultural tour with Lirrwi Tourism or planning overnighters to some of the pristine Dhimurru Recreation Areas.

Driving tip: Preparing a self-guided venture? A permit from the Northern Land Council is required, as well as some careful planning – this is as remote as it gets.

Where to stay: Bask in isolation at Bremer Island’s Banubanu Beach Retreat. Sleep under the stars at the Mananggaymi (Scout Camp) Camping Area, home to several large freshwater swimming holes perfect for cooling off and just 50 kilometres west of Nhulunbuy. Or check in to Ngumuy (Turtle Beach) Camping Site, one of the prettiest of its kind on the peninsula.

Queensland road trip:  Cairns to Cape York

Show the kiddies what adventure really looks like with a Cape York odyssey: creek crossings, croc-infested waters, monsoonal wet seasons and lush rainforest brimming with elusive wildlife (think tree kangaroos and cassowaries) are just the very beginning.

The route: The only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – exist side by side. The 1,200-kilometre track begins at Cairns and ends at Australia’s most northern point, aka ‘The Tip’.

Don’t miss : Taking a dip at stunning (and croc-free) Fruit Bat Falls. It’s one of the very few waterholes you can actually swim in along the way.

Driving tip: This scenic route is an off-roading nirvana – a 4WD, spare tyre and extra toilet roll (or 10) are a must.

Where to stay: Roughing it is the name of the game up here. Enjoy some bush camping before indulging in a hot shower at the beachfront Cape York Camping Punsand Bay.

Lesser known road trip: Outback QLD Adventure Way

Travel time: 5 days

While bitumen has replaced the rutted roads once tread by horse-drawn coaches, retracing the tracks of Cobb & Co through Queensland’s outback remains remarkably rewarding: think mulga-studded plains giving way to treeless horizons, vivid sunsets and incomprehensibly starry skies – not to mention emus darting across the dashboard.

The route:   Stopping by Dalby, St George and Thargomindah, the 1,100 kilometres linking Brisbane and South Australia’s Innamincka is adventurous – hence the name – as well as accessible, even with a caravan in tow

Don’t miss : Floating along the beautiful Balonne River with Sandytown River Cruises, then taking a picture with the ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ statue, made famous by the Slim Dusty song of the same name. Scrub up at Eulo’s Artesian Mud Baths and visit the historic Burke and Wills ‘Dig Tree’ site.

Driving tip: Care should be taken when overtaking road trains – ensure you have a clear line of sight, allow plenty of room and be prepared for vehicles to move a little from side to side as you pass.

Where to stay:   Dalby Tourist Park sits by an aquatic centre and features sites and cabins. Warrego Riverside Caravan Park’s sites boast absolute water frontage.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in Queensland

The best road trips from Brisbane and Cairns

NSW road trip:  Grand Pacific Drive

Travel time: 2-3 days

This postcard-perfect jaunt south of Sydney sure packs a punch. This family road trip in Australia combines some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, dramatic cliff faces and impressive engineering feats.

The route: This 140-kilometre coast-hugging drive is grand indeed. You’ll take in the wild scrub of the Royal National Park, the green-as-green-gets pastures of Kiama and the pearl-white sands of Jervis Bay.

Don’t miss : Walking, biking or driving across Sea Cliff Bridge, a cantilevered road that curves around the shore 50 metres out to sea.

Driving tip: Add on a return trip through Berry, the Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands, and you have yourself a perfect long weekend away

Where to stay: Take your pick of one of 12 Holiday Haven Tourist Parks , all nestled on a picturesque beach, lake or river.

The Kidman Way – outback NSW road trip

This family road trip is named after Sir Sidney Kidman. In 1899 he founded S. Kidman & Co, which eventually became one of the world’s largest pastoral companies. The pioneer long nurtured a vision for opening up the vast interior of NSW. The resulting Kidman Way is quintessentially outback Australian.

The route: From Albury to Bourke, this 830-kilometre odyssey takes in a number of charming shires and deliciously remote national parks.

Don’t miss : Sipping on a bevvy at the tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere at Merriwagga’s Black Stump Hotel. It was built so horseman could trot in and order without dismounting. Purchase a meal with the Cobar Quid (yep, it has its very own currency), hop aboard the retro bus at Catania Fruit Salad Farm, and drop a line in the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Darling rivers

Driving tip: Make sure you have a full tank of fuel leaving Griffith, as service stations are infrequent.

Where to stay: For water views, nab a grassy site at Darlington Point Riverside Caravan & Tourist Park.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in New South Wales

The best road trips from Sydney

Keep reading:

• The best NSW road trips for families
• 10 of the best Sydney to Byron Bay road trip stops
• Why you should put Hill End on your road trip list

Victoria road trip: Great Ocean Road

Simply put, the Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage for Aussie families, with its koala-filled canopies, ace surf breaks, pretty seaside towns, crashing waves of the Southern Ocean and, of course, those striking 12 Apostles (of which there are now eight).

The route: Perhaps the most famous road trip on the list. The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres along Victoria’s southern coast, from Torquay to Allansford.

Don’t miss : Pit stops at Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and the rainforests of Great Otway National Park.

Driving tip: Driving one way? Start in Torquay so that you are always on the ocean side of the road.

Where to stay: Nestled beside Anglesea River and Surf Beach, Anglesea Family Caravan Park offers water fun galore right on your doorstep – and you can bring your pooch along, too.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in Victoria

The best road trips in Victoria from Melbourne

Great Eastern Drive Tasmanian road trip

A blindingly beautiful coastline, thriving food and wine scene and dozens of charming historic towns. Tassie’s east coast somehow remains bewilderingly crowd-free. Here, the air is fresh, the sapphire-blue bays are empty and the seafood is finger-licking good. You’ll discover so many beautiful crowd-free beaches to stop in at. There’s lots of fresh seafood to be eaten with honourable mention going to the Lobster Shack in Bicheno.

The route: Charting around 176 kilometres from Hobart to Bay of Fires – stopping off in Freycinet National Park along the way – this is a great option if you are short on time

Don’t miss : Walking among wombats while exploring the kaleidoscope cliffs of Maria Island. If you want to extend, check out Port Arthur.

Driving tip: Save money on car rental and bring your own from Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Where to stay: Sitting opposite Muirs Beach at Coles Bay, BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park’s cabins and sites make for a scenic stay.

Western Explorer Tasmanian road trip

Travel time: 2-4 days

You just know a thoroughfare that has been dubbed ‘The Road to Nowhere’ is going to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Tasmania’s west coast is full of incredibly lush green rainforest. It is one of the least explored areas of Tasmania due to its winding roads and off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions.

The Western Explorer might be Tasmania’s best-kept secret. This Aussie road trip winds through the lush Tarkine rainforest in the northwest of the state. And, more often than not, your journey is enjoyed without another vehicle in sight.

The route: The spectacularly wild 283 kilometres road trip connects Strahan and Stanley. You’ll pass through Arthur River and fishing settlements like Couta Rocks and Temma. Then discover the gold-rush town of Corinna that is hidden deep in the woods.

Don’t miss : The ferry trip across Pieman River on the Fatman barge, then walking through the Zeehan Spray Tunnel, a 100-metre abandoned railway. And lastly sandboarding the lofty Henty Dunes which rise 30 metres behind Tasmania’s longest beach.

Driving tip: Watch out for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive platypuses, echidnas, wombats, bandicoots and quolls. Fun fact: this part of Tassie was the last known habitat of the Tasmanian tiger.

Where to stay: Located in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, Peppermint and Manuka campgrounds both offer water access and toilets.

Read the stories below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in Tasmania

The best Tasmanain road trips for families from Hobart

9 of the best road trips in Tasmania

What is the best road trip in the world?

According to recent research compiled by CarMats.co.uk, The Savannah Way from Queensland to Western Australia is the best road trip in the world. It spans 3700km and takes around three-to-four weeks to complete. With high temperatures, minimal rainfall, an abundance of national parks and the dramatic landscapes of the outback, this route has all the ingredients you need to create the perfect road trip recipe. Sightsee some of Australia’s most recognised wildlife, such as crocodiles, wallabies and even wild horses on your trip, or engage with the indigenous history of the area, with numerous communities and ancient rock art sites dotted throughout the route.

• The best holiday parks in Australia
• Feeling lucky? Check out our latest competitions

Australian family accommodation

Tasman holiday parks – south mission beach, brisbane holiday village, ashmore palms holiday village, rydges resort hunter valley, fairmont resort blue mountains, nobby beach holiday village, big4 adventure whitsunday resort, big4 gold coast holiday park, intercontinental sanctuary cove resort, fitzroy island resort, mandalay holiday resort and tourist park, big4 narooma easts holiday park, del rio riverside resort, big4 sandstone point holiday resort, ivory palms resort, big4 tweed billabong holiday park, big4 saltwater @ yamba holiday park, big4 easts beach holiday park, kingfisher bay resort, big4 port douglas glengarry holiday park, anglesea family caravan park, ocean grove holiday park, big4 swan hill, big4 breeze holiday parks – port elliot, nrma port arthur holiday park, captain cook holiday park, marion holiday park, big4 renmark riverfront holiday park, nrma darlington beach holiday resort, north star holiday resort, big4 bendigo marong holiday park, discovery parks – alice springs, big4 ingenia holidays cairns coconut, holiday haven on the nsw south coast, breeze holiday parks, save 15% at pegasus apart’ hotel, blue lake holiday park, paradise resort gold coast, karijini eco retreat, big4 launceston holiday park, racv noosa resort: save 20%, jamala wildlife lodge, q station manly, canton beach holiday park, budgewoi holiday park, nimrod resort apartments – port douglas, sunshine coast holiday parks, pacific hotel brisbane, rydges mount panorama bathurst, koki alpine resort, big4 nrma halls gap holiday park, big4 nelligen holiday park, related posts.

17 things to do on K’Gari (Fraser Island) with kids

Six of them are free! K'Gari is one of the few places on Earth where rainforest grows on sand.

5 day trips from Sydney to do these holidays

Get out and start exploring your backyard. These places are perfect to visit on a day trip from...

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Family-friendly accommodation

Browse our selection of great family accommodation options around the world

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Intercontinental bali resort, plantation island resort, courtyard anaheim resort convention center.

• Things to do

South Australian road trips, scenic drives and itineraries

Scroll down

South Australian Road Trip Highlights

SEE THE BEST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA WHEN YOU EMBARK ON ONE OF OUR 6 HERO ROAD TRIPS

With roads weaving a line through scenery fit for a postcard, to feeling as though you are driving through the sunset as it melts into the ocean, South Australia is the place to take that quintessential road trip. Some of the best views in South Australia can only be seen from the drivers seat. Convinced? Cue our  ultimate road trip playlist and start researching the road less travelled. You can curate your own custom itinerary with our Trip Planner tool , or use our guides below to ensure you park up at the best spots!

Imagine weaving your way through a postcard-worthy scene like this

South Australia's road trips

Road trip to south australia and explore our great state with one of our six iconic routes - or mix and match our curated guides to build your own journey. start your adelaide to darwin road trip via the explorers way, drive from perth to adelaide along the seafood frontier, or road trip from adelaide through south australia's famed wine regions. there's a path for everyone..

Highlights: Sinkholes, white sandy beaches, Kangaroo Island and wine regions 

5 to 9 days |  18 attractions |  940 kilometres

Highlights:  Rugged coastline, whale watching, oysters and pristine beach sanctuary 

8 to 10 days | 15 attractions |  955 kilometres 

Highlights: World-famous wine regions, off-grid stays and award-winning produce

4 to 5 days |  21 attractions |  233 kilometres 

Highlights: White sandy beaches, world-famous surf breaks, shipwrecks and native wildlife 

5 to 6 days |  17 attractions | 460 kilometres 

Highlights:   Exploring the winding river, water sports for days, fresh fruit stalls and wine

5 to 7 days | 22 attractions |  382 kilometres 

Highlights: Outback mountain ranges, aboriginal landmarks and unrivalled golden hours

8 to 10 days |  20 attractions |  1,142 kilometres 

Southern Ocean Drive

Coastal Way

Seafood Frontier

Explorers Way

Epicurean Way

Mighty Murray Way

Other scenic routes and itineraries

Got a specific destination or route in mind perhaps you are looking to spend more time savouring just one region in south australia, you crossing the border by car, or maybe you are looking for itineraries to inspire your own bespoke road trip journey. no matter how you like to travel, there's a scenic route to take. check out our guides to some of the other common road trip routes in south australia as well as our in-depth, local itineraries to help you linger longer in some of our regions., driving from melbourne to adelaide, driving from sydney to adelaide, adelaide hills itinerary, eyre peninsula itinerary, the ultimate flinders ranges itinerary, kangaroo island itinerary, limestone coast itinerary, yorke peninsula itinerary, riverland itinerary, murray river, lakes & coorong itinerary, the ultimate clare valley itinerary, barossa itinerary, the ultimate guide to exploring outback south australia, fleurieu peninsula itinerary, car, motorhome and camper hire, we have done the leg work for you and curated a list of places you can hire a car, campervan or motorhome from for your road trip., make trax adventure hire, apollo motorhome holidays - adelaide, britz campervans and 4wd adelaide, maui motorhomes adelaide, mighty campers adelaide, redsands campers, kombi camping, salt bush campers, adventure rentals – adelaide, road trip deals and offers, ready to hit the road start planning your road trip with these deals on car hire, accommodation and holiday packages..

10% off daily vehicle rentals + 10,000 bonus Qantas Points^ with promo code QFFBONUS10

Booking period 1 March 2024 to 14 April 2024. Pick up dates 2 April to 19 September 2024. ...Show more

^Terms and conditions apply, refer to website  for full details. 

Travel the Choice Hotels Way.

On sale until 7 April 2024 ...Show more

Terms and conditions apply. 

Make your road trip extraordinary.

Looking for all the best things to do in South Australia? ...Show more

Browse experienceoz.com.au to find some of South Australia's best attractions, activities and tours.

Stay your way at a Big4 Park in South Australia

Making road tripping easier with 22 BIG4 Holiday Parks across South Australia. ...Show more

Stay your way at a BIG4 Park in South Australia. Visit big4.com.au to explore more. 

3 Day Enchanted Fig Tree Package

Includes accommodation, ferry, enchanted fig tree lunch & more.

From $890pp^ ...Show more

^Price is per person, twin share. Includes return SeaLink ferry travel to Penneshaw, including vehicle 5m in length; two nights' accommodation with daily full buffet breakfast at the Aurora Ozone Hotel; Three course lunch at The Enchanted Fig Tree and more.  See website for terms and conditions and full package inclusions.

15% off car hire with SIXT for RAA Members^

Valid for RAA members only ...Show more

^Terms, conditions and booking criteria applies. Valid for RAA members only. 15% discount applies on daily rate at SIXT Australia and New Zealand locations only. See RAA website for full terms.

Save up to 20% off first rental with Europcar^

For new customers who subscribe to Europcar's newsletter ...Show more

^Terms and conditions apply 

Road trip maps

We have designed all-inclusive, downloadable maps for each of our six south australian road trips. each map includes a hit list of must-visit attractions and one-of-a-kind experiences unique to the region..

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Sign up for our newsletter and get top stories, exclusive offers, events and free travel inspiration straight to your inbox!

ADD TO TRIP

Go to trip planner to manage your trips.

This page relies on JavaScript to function. Please enable it. Thank You! 🚀

Planning A Road Trip In Australia: Essential Tips For First Timers

Australia is vast – the only country in the world that’s also a continent. One of the best ways to truly discover Australia is by road, but how do you tackle such a large country?

What type of vehicle do you need? How far should you travel in a day, and what sort of safety precautions should you be aware of when setting out on your trip?

Understandably, you need to answer many questions before you even book your airline tickets to Australia. In this guide to road-tripping Australia, we’re going to share everything our team has learnt from decades of driving the epic landscapes Downunder.

The Absolute Basics of Road Tripping Australia

Australian climate, school holidays in australia, ideal timing for your aussie road trip, understanding distance, which route should you take, where to buy your australian road trip supplies, what sort of vehicle will you need in australia, vehicle safety & driving laws, road side assistance & insurance, respect the environment, respect the culture, currency and communications in australia.

This page may contain affiliate links to third-party tour operators and booking platforms. Should you make a qualifying booking after using our affiliate link, we make a commission.

Before we dive into the planning details, these are the headlines you need to know about road-tripping in Australia if you are coming from overseas:

• Cars in Australia drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right.
• Speed limits are in kilometres per hour – and are strictly enforced via speed camera.
• Cars, campervans, and caravans are all popular modes of transport for road-tripping in Australia.
• Distances can be vast; get a good grip on driving distances, road conditions and fuel stops before plotting out your Australian road trip itinerary.
• Roads and freeways near major cities are in good condition and generally very well maintained; whilst hitting the outback, you will find unsealed roads and a lack of phone signal! be prepared for all sorts of driving conditions.

Now, on to the details to plan your dream trip Downunder!

Australian Seasons And When To Time Your Australian Road Trip

Whilst Australia may be commonly conceived as always hot and sunny, you must be prepared for many different microclimates, from snowy mountains to tropical forests and desert plains. Australia really has it all when it comes to diverse scenery and road trip experiences.

Visitors should primarily be aware that the northern half of Australia is subtropical and tropical; the southern half is more temperate and follows traditional seasons, just in reverse to the northern hemisphere – i.e. mid-January is peak summer in Australia, and July/August is mid-winter.

The southeast of Australia – broadly New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania – and southern Western Australia experience the best weather from around October to April each year; the coldest winter months are June to August.

Anywhere north of the Tropic of Capricorn – much of Queensland, Northern Territory, and WA – you should expect a rainy season and a dry season rather than traditional seasons. The best time to visit Australia’s north is during the dry season, broadly from May to October.

Of particular importance to pay attention to when looking at the Australian climate:

• Bushfires – primarily, these occur in the hottest summer months, November through March, but can happen at any time of year.
• Flooding – unpredictable across the seasons and the country. Generally, the east coast is more susceptible, though you’ll find parts of the tropics can flood, leading to road closures in the wet season.
• Cyclones – occurring only in the tropics, be on alert from November to April

These vary a little by state, but primarily schools in Australia operate with four terms and four school holidays.

• Easter – normally 2 weeks, end of March/Early April
• Winter – normally 2 weeks during July
• Spring – normally 2 weeks in September
• Summer – from mid-December to the end of January, 4 to 6 weeks

If you are planning to travel over any of the Australian school holidays, be aware that accommodation will book out faster, attractions will be much busier, and the roads will be heavier with traffic.

On the flip side, for road-tripping families, the school holidays mean a lot more festivals and events are on for families; Royal Shows and school holiday programs might be running to enhance your Aussie road trip.

Some other busier weekends/public holidays to be aware of

• Australia Day – 26 January and surrounding weekend
• Easter Weekend – Good Friday through Easter Monday Many get a 4-day break
• ANZAC DAY – 25 April, may be added to a weekend or a day in lieu
• AFL Grand Final – Vic only, a long weekend in late September
• Melbourne Cup – another Vic public holiday where many will take advantage of a Spring long weekend on the road

What does busy mean? If you are looking for a spot in a caravan park or motel bookings in popular tourist locations, you need to book many months, if not a full year, in advance to ensure you’ll get what you want.

If you are ‘go with the flow’ road trippers, look to avoid any of the local school and public holidays, and you should be able to travel with relative day-to-day flexibility.

Nature Experiences in Australia

Some other seasonal events to be conscious of perhaps planning into your trip:

• Whale Sharks in Exmouth – late March to August
• Orcas near Esperance – January to March
• Whale Watching on the Fraser Coast – July to October
• Ski Season in the Snowy Mountains – June to October (peak July-August)

So, is there an ideal time of year to road trip Australia? If we had to pick just one time (assuming you have several months!), we’d suggest starting your trip in the southeast during the autumn months of March/April, then heading north to the tropics of Queensland or the Red Centre by July/August.

With limited time – e.g. the northern hemisphere summer break (June to August), we’d suggest starting in Sydney and road-tripping to tropical Far North Queensland or tackling the west coast, Perth up to Darwin.

Visiting over Christmas? Focus on the southern states, take the ferry over to Tassie, or roam around southern Western Australia.

Your Australian Road Trip Itinerary Plan

The number one most important question you must answer first is, how long do you have?

We can’t emphasise enough that driving distances in Australia are vast. Just as a very general guide, consider this:

• Driving Melbourne to Sydney directly takes close to 10 hours
• Sydney to Brisbane along the coast takes a further 10 hours
• Brisbane to Cairns takes close to 20 hours
• Adelaide to Darwin through the Red Centre takes over 30 hours
• Melbourne to Perth direct is an incredible 37 hour drive across the Nullarbor Plain
• Perth to Exmouth along the west coast is 13 hours

Simply put, even with a month in Australia, you’ll likely only manage to cover part of the country by road. With only 2-3 weeks, we’d focus your effort on just one coast of Australia if you don’t want to spend your entire journey in a car.

It may be that you tackle part of your journey by road and partly by air, or one way the entire coast and fly back. There are so many combinations you can try!

Some of the most popular driving routes in Australia include:

• Perth to Darwin along the west coast – catch the Pinnacles, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and Broome, then tackle the infamous Gibb River Road.
• Sydney to Brisbane – capturing the highlights of the NSW north coast and some of the country’s most stunning beach towns through to the Gold Coast.
• Brisbane to Cairns in Far North Queensland – perfect for beach lovers from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays, sail out to the Great Barrier Reef and K’gari all the way up to the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas – extend this all the way to Cape Trib & Cape York .
• Melbourne to Sydney , via the capital Canberra or the scenic route Princess Highway for a coastal treat including Lakes Entrance, Bateman’s Bay and Jervis Bay.
• Sydney to Uluru – for an epic outback adventure to Australia’s Red Centre , via Coober Pedy and Alice Springs.
• Sydney to Byron Bay for the best of coastal New South Wales via Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
• The Big Lap – circumnavigating all of mainland Australia (allow at least 3-4 months for this epic road trip of a lifetime).
• The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the country’s most iconic scenic drives, including the Twelve Apostles – tackle this on an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip via the Flinders Ranges.
• Take the Spirit of Tasmania and circumnavigate the island state of Tassie by road .
• Plan your route to see the iconic “Big Things” trail in Australia!

Whilst Australia has an increasingly good network of multi-lane highways, don’t be surprised if your journey still includes slow one-way traffic in parts and sporadic overtaking lanes.

We’d suggest taking a mix of highways and back roads is great for your Australian road trip – the Hume from Sydney to Melbourne, for example, is now a ‘speedy’ 9+ hour journey you can tackle in a day; but you still want to pull out to see some of the smaller towns on route to experience the true Australia.

Equipment For Road Tripping In Australia

Even if you are using a combination of motels and campsite cabins, there are still items you’ll want to pack for your great Australian road trip:

• A good Esky (that’s Aussie for a cooler box!) is a must. This will keep your drinks and snacks fresh as your drive from one destination to the next. If you are not sure your accommodation will have a fridge, it’s well worth investing in a proper car fridge . They do use a little more energy but will save you a packet in the long run if you can self-cater most of your meals.
• Your own reusable coffee cups, cutlery, and shopping bags. Australia is well up the curve relative to many countries on banning single-use plastics. If you are picnicking, definitely invest in some reusable items for all the family.
• A good picnic rug – likewise, even if you’re not camping, you’ll be making plenty of roadside stops. Don’t always rely on tables and chairs; having your own ready-made picnic spot is essential!

Why Are Road Trips So Tiring? (And How to Fight It!)

Essential Safety Tips For Driving in the Desert

Essential Tips for Planning The Big Lap Australia (With Map)

• A spare fuel can or “jerry can”, could be your lifesaver on a long-distance drive through the outback.
• You can find our complete road trip essentials list over here that will help you get all the gear you need to be organised for an Aussie road trip.

For those camping and caravanning, your road trip checklist is going to be much more extensive. Watch out for our Aussie camping checklist, coming soon!

For those heading off-the-beaten park and perhaps combining motel stays with some camping, you can find an excellent selection of road-tripping gear in chain stores such as BCF and Tent World.

If your trip to Australia is relatively short and you don’t want to invest in such expensive gear yourself, you can try sites such as eBay and Gumtree for second-hand items.

• You can get around a lot of Australia in a standard 2WD, unless you’re very keen to include some off-roading.
• Travelling as a family, you might find it better to opt for a little more space and a slightly larger vehicle like an SUV; you’ll get more luggage space and more range out of your tank.
• On a longer Australian road trip, you may prefer to hire a campervan or caravan to save on accommodation costs.

Aussie Driving Tips and Tricks

To prepare you for hitting the road, here are some road trip rules that you may not be familiar with and laws that absolutely must be obeyed in Australia.

• As we mentioned at the outset, you’ll be driving on the left, steering wheel on the right. If this is unfamiliar driving for you, remember the driver should always be in the centre of the road .
• You will only need an International Driver’s Permit if your license is not in English.
• Road speed limits in Australia are strictly enforced; penalties are steep for going even marginally over the limit. You may not get a ticket on your journey, but it’ll catch up with you weeks later via your rental company – plus an admin fee!
• Check that your vehicle is in good working order before you take off, including the tread and air pressure on all your tires (including the spare); check your oil levels, wiper fluid, and coolant.
• Be aware of your car’s range and tank size. You can drive quite economically on the open roads getting even a hundred or more kilometres out of a single tank than stop-start city driving, but don’t try and be overly brave; if in doubt, top up your tank!
• Plan your daily route carefully around fuel stops. Whilst you’ll have few issues near the coast and big cities, once you hit the outback, take heed of warning signs about how far to the next roadhouse or petrol station.
• There are toll roads only in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland – predominantly around the major cities. When hiring a car, check if you are covered for these tolls or will need to pay them later. All toll roads in Australia are cashless and managed centrally with Linkt , making it much easier for interstate tourists to pay online.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in each state, though precise infant car seat rules vary by state – we have a more detailed guide to Australian car seat laws coming soon.
• The blood alcohol limit in Australia for driving is 0.5% ; you must not drive intoxicated. Random breath testing and drug testing by the police is common.
• There are no border crossing points between states (unless we’re unfortunate enough to experience another pandemic!). You’ll likely only see a signpost that are crossing between states – of course, you should try to take these iconic photo ops!
• Understand how to deal with overtaking lanes and road trains on country roads (B-doubles and B Triples can be in excess of 30 metres long!) Only ever overtake where there are white dashed lanes, and it is safe to do so.

• If you’re towing a caravan or in a motorhome, be mindful of other faster-moving vehicles behind you. It’s polite to use turnouts where available to let other vehicles pass.
• Be mindful of driving at dusk. This is the time of day wildlife is most active, and trust us when we say hitting a kangaroo at 100km/hr is not going to end well for you or the ‘roo.

Should the worst happen during your journey, the major automobile clubs you can join in Australia for roadside assistance are:

• NRMA  – National Roads and Motorists’ Association
• AANT  – Automobile Association of the Northern Territory
• RACQ  – Royal Automobile Club of Queensland
• RAA  – Royal Automobile Association
• RACT  – Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania
• RACV  – Royal Automobile Club of Victoria

If you only took out standard insurance when hiring a car, make sure your travel insurance will cover you for any additional excess and other mishaps that may happen along your journey.

More Resources for Planning Your Australian Trips

In addition to motoring rules in Australia, here are a few more general tips you should be aware of planning your trip to Australia:

• Ever wondered why customs checks are so strictly enforced? Australia has a unique ecosystem that needs protecting, so please, abide by the laws and don’t bring in any foreign plants, seeds or natural matters.
• Don’t approach wildlife. Yes, it can be incredible when you sight your first kangaroo roadside, but please let them be.
• Be alert but not afraid of Australia’s venomous wildlife. Spiders and snakes, in particular, are wildlife inhabitants (Planning your road trip with kids, check out the movie “Back to the Outback” if they’d like a finer appreciation of the loveable side of Aussie wildlife! )
• Australian land belongs to the Indigenous people before the British first settled and colonised the country in 1788. This is a concept that’s being far more widely, albeit slowly, recognised in Australia’s tourism industry. The process has been gradual, but you will find many places have changed from anglicized names back to their traditional names, such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and K’gari (Fraser Island).
• English is the national language and is spoken everywhere.
• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar – ATMs are plentiful, but the country is rapidly moving cashless so you can tap and pay or use your phone to pay in almost all locations – only in very small businesses/markets you may still need physical cash.
• Once you are beyond Australia’s big cities or country towns, expect patchy phone coverage at best. You definitely want paper maps or download maps once you leave the populated coastal areas of Australia.
• Only if you plan on heading to extremely remote parts of the country off-road and without any mobile phone (cell phone) coverage you’ll want to consider a satellite phone .

Don’t miss our complete collection of Aussie city guides for families:

ADELAIDE | BRISBANE | CAIRNS | CANBERRA | DARWIN | GOLD COAST | MELBOURNE | PERTH | SYDNEY

Start Planning Your Australian Adventure

Ready to start planning your epic family road trip Downunder? Here’s a bit more inspiration to help you on your way to planning the perfect Australian road trip:

15 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Sydney Family Holiday

Continue Reading 15 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Sydney Family Holiday

15 Exciting Things To Do With Kids On A Canberra Family Holiday

Continue Reading 15 Exciting Things To Do With Kids On A Canberra Family Holiday

15 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Brisbane Family Holiday

Continue Reading 15 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Brisbane Family Holiday

Terrific Things To Do With Kids On A Darwin Family Holiday

Continue Reading Terrific Things To Do With Kids On A Darwin Family Holiday

Magnificent Things To Do With Kids On A Melbourne Family Holiday

Continue Reading Magnificent Things To Do With Kids On A Melbourne Family Holiday

15 Awesome Things To Do With Kids On An Adelaide Family Holiday

Continue Reading 15 Awesome Things To Do With Kids On An Adelaide Family Holiday

© Family Road Trip

How To Keep Baby Cool in Their Car Seat

• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

7 Must-Do Aussie Summer Road Trips

1. Brisbane to Whitsundays Road Trip

2. sydney to byron bay road trip, 3. darwin to nt national parks road trip, 4. sa south coast road trip, 5. tasmania's east coast road trip, 6. perth to ningaloo road trip, 7. great ocean road trip.

Show More 

Still don't know where to spend your summer holidays? Here we reveal 7 of the greatest all-time road trips around Australia. Buckle up!

Duration: 14 days

2 nights: Hervey Bay (3hr 30mins drive)

2 nights: Yeppoon (5hrs drive)

4 nights: Airlie Beach (5hr 30mins drive)

1 night: Rockhampton (5hr 30mins drive)

2 nights: Agnes Waters (2hr 40mins drive)

2 nights: Noosa (4hrs drive)

End road trip: Brisbane (2hrs drive)

Head north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway to Airlie Beach. Driving directly takes 13 hours, but with so much to see, it's worth turning it into a two week adventure.

The beautiful Whitsundays , heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is teeming with marine life, dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches. The crystal-clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island, are easily enjoyed on a one day day tour by boat, seaplane or helicopter.

Hill Inlet, Whitsundays, QLD. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

On the return journey why not try sand boarding the dunes in Agnes Waters or sample the local craft beers on Noosa's Brewery Trail .

Duration: 10days

2 nights: Port Macquarie (4hr drive)

4 nights: Byron Bay (4hrs 30min drive)

1 night: Coffs Harbour (2 hrs 30min drive)

2 nights: Port Stephens (4hrs drive)

End road trip: Sydney (2hr 45min drive)

Driving from Sydney to Byron Bay is one of the most iconic drives in Australia. Enjoy this popular holiday destination known for its beaches, surfing and scuba diving sites. Why not evey try a surfing lesson yourself!

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW. Photo credit: Destination NSW

Make the most of the trip by stopping at Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens on the return journey.

After some much needed R'n'R, get the adrenaline pumping again with a skydive landing right on Coffs Harbour beach ! Port Stephens has its fair share of adventure too, with sand dune 4WD tou r to see more than just the scenic harbour.

Duration: 10 days

3 nights: Ubirr / Kakaku National Park (1hr 45mins drvie)

3 nights: Katherine / Nitmiluk National Park (1hr 30mins drive)

3 nights: Florence Falls / Litchfield National Park (2hrs 30mins drive)

End road trip: Darwin (1hr 40mins drive)

If you want to experience the Australian Outback, there is nothing better than a the Northern Territory. Home to spectacular gorges, pretty as a picture swimming holes and abundant wildlife, the area also has a rich indigenous history and is the perfect place to learn about their ancient culture.

You will need at least three days to explore the enormous, biodiverse nature reserve of Kakadu National Park . It is the largest national park in Australia covering almost 20,000 square kilometres.

Nawurlandja lookout, Kakadu National Park, NT. Photo credit: Tourism NT & Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

The next stop is Nitmiluk National Park (previously Katherine Gorge National Park) to explore the impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country. Take the opportunity to emerse yourself in the indigenous culture with the Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery experience, before heading off to the cascading waterfalls of Litchfield National Park .

1 night: Whyalla (4hr drive)

2 nights: Baird Bay (4hr drive)

2 nights: Lake Macdonnell / Pink Lake (2hrs 45mins)

3 nights: Port Lincoln / Lincoln National Park (5hrs drive)

1 night: Port Augusta (3hrs 30mins drive)

End road trip: Adelaide (3hrs drive)

Road trip through the Eyre Peninsula's oceanic utopia and stop to swim with sea lions or wander along pristine beaches where the waters are literally teeming with seafood.

Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula, SA. Photo Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission & Caroline Fisher

Then get your camera ready, as the salt pink lake of Lake Macdonnell is not one you will nwant to miss!

Lake MacDonnell, SA. Photo credit: Riley M Williams

Next, Port Lincoln , but this is not a stop for the faint hearted... encounter great white sharks on a truly unique South Australian cage diving experience . Afterwards your courage will be rewarded as yousit back and sample the oysters of the Coffin Bay oyster farm .

Duration: 6 days

1 night: Orford / Maria Island (1hr drive)

2 nights: Coles Bay / Freycinet NP (1hr 30mins drive)

2 nights: St Helens / Bay of Fires (1hrs 30mins drive)

End road trip: Launceston (2hr drive)

From Hobart, follow the Tasman Highway north and take the 30-minute ferry to beautiful Maria Island for the day. With no shops or cars, this remote island is a tranquil haven for bushwalking, wildlife watching (not to mention the many wombats peacefully strolling the island), and a glimpse into Tasmania’s convict history.

Head on to the infamous Freycinet National Park. Hike the mountain range down to beaches, coves and marshland, or kayak , snorkel or scuba dive the sheltered waters. Even better, sit back and enjoy a day cruise of the much celebrated Coles Bay .

Wineglass Bay, TAS. Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill

But there is more stunning scenery yet! Take in the panoramic views of the coastline and the Bay of Fires iconic red lichen-covered boulders, before ending your trip in the vibrant food and wine hub, Launceston.

Duration: 12 days

3 nights: Geraldton (4hrs 30mins drive)

1 night: Kalbarri National Park (1hr 45mins drive)

2 nights: Denham / Monkey Mia (3hrs 45mins drive)

2 nights: Carnarvon (3hrs 15mins drive)

3 nights: Ningaloo (3hr 30min drive)

End road trip: Exmouth (2hrs drive)

The 1,250km-long Coral Coast Highway, stretching from Perth to Exmouth, has been referred to as one of the greatest road trips on Earth, and takes in some of Australia’s best known and most loved attractions.

First stop, Geraldton which is up there with the top must-see surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating and fishing destinations. Take a half day seaplane tour to the spectacular Abrolhos Islands , head out and catch your own lobster , or take a scenic flight over the breathtaking Hutt Lagoon pink lake.

Next, Kalbarri National Park , an iconic location famous for its 80-kilometre gorge and coastal cliffs that plunge more than 100 metres to the ocean.

Kalbarri Skywalk, Kalbarri National Park, WA. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

A Western Australia must-visit is Monkey Mia to see the bottlenose dolphins that have been coming close to shore for more than fifty years.

Last but not least is Exmouth and Ningaloo... snorkel or dive the vibrant coral of the Ningaloo Marine Park or at nearby Mui

Duration: 7 days

1 night: Torquay / Bells Beach (1hr 20mins drive)

1 night: Lorne (45mins drive)

1 night: Apollo Bay (45mins drive)

1 night: Peterborough / Bay of Islands (1hr 30mins drive)

1 night: Cape Otway (1hr 30min drive)

1 night: Geelong (2hr drive)

End road trip: Melbourne (1hr drive)

This iconic drive can be done in a day, but with so many things to see and do, why not make a week road trip out of it?!

Dose up on surf culture at Torquay , the home of Bells Beach and birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Lorne is more than just a pitstop when driving Australia's Great Ocean Road, it's a destination in its own right, full of waterfalls, scenic hiking trails and another great surf beach break.

Next up is Apollo Bay , a seafood village embraced by tranquil beaches, rolling green hills and the Great Otway National Park.

Californian Redwoods, Beech Forest, Otway Ranges, VIC

Then see it all from the sky with a hot air balloon ride from Geelong or taste the local wears on a beer, wine and cider tour before heading back to Melbourne.

So go on an epic road trip, from calm coastal drives to outback adventures, discover Australia in summer your way!

Trending Travelogues

Popular trip moments, popular travel types, popular attractions, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback

• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy and Cookies
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Hellfire Bay, Esperance, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

The best family road trips in Australia

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link

Pack up the car – and the kids – for a road trip they’ll never forget.

By Leah Dobihal

With wild dolphins and white-sand beaches, this New South Wales road trip is as picturesque as they come. All ages will no doubt be mesmerised as you curl your way down the South Coast from Sydney , but frequent stops at beach towns make this a great road trip with toddlers in tow. Little ones can spot kangaroos grazing near the beach and eat their fill of local fudge and ice cream.

Family road tripping on the South Coast

Touring a dazzling coastline and looping back through bush-edged hinterland towns, this New South Wales South Coast itinerary has a little something for every family member – even the furry ones.

Read time • 5min

One of Australia’s most picturesque road trips, a drive through Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers nature and wildlife in abundance. Think walk-through aviaries, vast wildlife parks and easy walks to waterfalls. The kids will love climbing in shallow rock pools, spotting koalas in the treetops and trying their luck at surfing, while parents will appreciate the region’s relaxed feel.

Sunshine Coast: 8-day family road trip holiday

Home to some of Australia’s best beaches and a hinterland full of hidden gems, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers families the perfect driving escape.

Read time • 6min

In Victoria , the Grampians National Park is a natural playground for all ages. It’s not just beautiful hikes and dazzling waterfalls on offer here; families can explore the waterways by kayak, play with dingoes and even rock climb along tall cliffs from the safety of a harness. With so much adventure and wildlife to discover, this is the perfect road trip for young families.

6-day Grampians National Park family itinerary

From hiking to horse riding and hand-feeding kangaroos, the Grampians National Park in Victoria offers up adventure, scenery and wildlife in abundance. It all makes for a jam-packed – but fun – six-day road trip perfect for the family.

With its jaw-dropping scenery and aquatic activities, the route from Perth to Esperance is perfect for school-aged kids and teens alike. There’s nothing like splashing around in Esperance’s aqua waters, but beyond the beaches, you’ll find grand national parks and quirky attractions – like a full-size replica of Stonehenge. Plus, your kids will never forget sharing a sandy stretch of coastline with sunbathing kangaroos.

From Perth: A 10-day trip of colourful attractions

Pink lakes, black flowers and bright yellow moonscapes: Western Australia might be best known for its gorgeous beaches, but this trip will have you seeing the whole rainbow.

Read time • 11min

The perfect combination of city and country, a trip from Adelaide to the rugged Eyre Peninsula is a true adventure for families. The childhood memories on offer are second to none. Imagine playful sea lions swimming around your snorkel, or descending in a cage to admire great white sharks in their natural habitat. When you’re not coming face to face with wildlife, take it easy with fish and chips on the beach and days spent exploring the outback.

9-day family road trip from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula

Get the best of city and country on this family friendly road trip full of tasty treats, thrilling underwater adventures and untamed coastal scenery.

Read time • 8min

Ready to take the road less travelled? Perfect for adventurous families, a trip through Tasmania’s west offers the chance to unplug from smartphones and lose yourself in the region’s epic nature. Hike through Cradle Mountain National Park , have a blast on a white water rafting trip and marvel at misty waterfalls. You likely won’t have Wi-Fi for Instagram, but you’ll have plenty of incredible photos for your personal collection.

Four days in Tasmania’s north-west

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/itineraries/ww-4-days-in-the-north-west/

Wild crocodiles, freshwater swimming holes and spear throwing lessons – it’s enough to keep even the most active families entertained. A road trip through Kakadu National Park is ideal for older kids and teens who can enjoy the full array of Kakadu activities. This national park boasts an enticing mix of ancient culture and breathtaking billabongs just begging to be explored. Easy access from Darwin makes this a dream family holiday.

Ultimate 6-day Kakadu family road trip

A family adventure to the spectacular Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory will not only amaze, but also teach invaluable lessons and create ever-lasting memories, too.

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

0333 234 2889

Book a call, make an enquiry.

• California & the West
• New York & the East
• New Orleans & the South
• National Parks
• All America…
• Toronto & the East
• Vancouver & the West
• Atlantic Canada
• All Canada…
• Adelaide & South Australia
• Brisbane & South Queensland
• Cairns & North Queensland
• Hobart & Tasmania
• Melbourne & Victoria
• Perth & Western Australia
• Sydney & New South Wales
• Uluru & Northern Territory
• All Australia…
• North Island
• South Island
• All New Zealand…
• Cook Islands
• All Asia…
• South Africa
• Victoria Falls
• All Africa…
• All Indian Ocean…
• Rail Holidays
• Safari & Beach
• Family Holidays
• Ski Holidays
• City Breaks
• Motorcycle Tours
• 1 Week Holidays
• 2 Week Holidays
• 3 Week Holidays
• 4+ Week Holidays
• Round The World
• New Zealand
• Travel Blog
• Sustainability
• 4 Week Holidays
• 5 Week Holidays
• Holidays With A Stopover
• Australia & New Zealand
• Visiting Family & Friends
• Northern Territory

Self Drives

• All Motorhomes
• Hi-Top Campervans
• 2 Berth Motorhomes
• 4 Berth Motorhomes
• 6 Berth Motorhomes
• Suggested Itineraries

Escorted Tours

• Tour Plus Holidays
• Small Group Tours
• River Cruises
• Indian Pacific
• Great Southern
• Intercity & Rail Passes
• Australia Open Tennis 2024
• Australian Grand Prix 2024
• Ashes Cricket 2025/26
• Ashes Inspired Holidays
• International Flights
• Worldwide Stopovers
• Internal Flights
• Round the World Flights
• Door to Door Service
• All Destinations

Australia Road Trip

Leave the city behind as you set out on your own Australia road trip adventure. The driving is easy and the scenery spectacular, with a warm Aussie welcome in every town. Choose from these great Australia road trip options:

• Self Drives – classic Australia road trips with hotels and car hire included
• Motorhomes – 2 to 6 berth campervans, with one way hire available
• Car Hire – in your holiday region or one way between cities.

Whichever you choose, we can arrange pick-ups and drop-offs to suit. Plus flights, hotels and stopovers for a complete Australia holiday.

Freedom Favourite

Sydney & The Great Ocean Road

Adelaide | Great Ocean Road | Melbourne | Canberra | Sydney

Australia Driving Holidays

Australia Self Drives

Motorhome Itineraries

Australia Motorhomes

Australia Car Hire

Freedom favourites.

Here are nine of our customers’ favourite Australia self drive and motorhome road trips exploring every corner of the country!

Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef

Sydney | Hunter Valley | Gold Coast | Nature Coast | K’Gari | Airlie Beach | Port Douglas | Cairns

Melbourne to Brisbane Road Trip

Melbourne | Phillip Island | Lakes Entrance | Canberra | Sydney | Hunter Valley | Byron Bay | Brisbane

Brisbane to Cairns by Motorhome

Brisbane | Noosa | Hervey Bay | Agnes Water | Rockhampton | Airlie Beach | Townsville | Mission Beach | Cairns

Touring Tasmania

Launceston | Coles Bay | Freycinet National Park | Port Arthur | Hobart

Great Ocean Road

Apollo Bay | Port Fairy | Robe | Barossa Valley | Adelaide

Perth to Ningaloo

Perth | Geraldton | Carnarvon | Exmouth | Monkey Mia | Kalbarri | Cervantes

National Parks of the Northern Territory

Darwin | Kakadu | Katherine | Litchfield | Alice Springs | Ayers Rock

Browse more car and campervan road trips.

Say G’day the Queensland Way

Awe-inspiring rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast… is any Aussie itinerary complete without time in Queensland?

Planning Your Australia Road Trip

Beaches to bush, forest to country towns, Australia is a fabulous road trip destination. Whether you choose a car or motorhome, Australia’s Home ‘n’ Away lifestyle will captivate you and our Australia Road Trips below showcase the best of the country.

Gateway Cities

With our road trips and self drives you can take the chance of an exciting city stay before or after your trip. Australia’s great cities are easy to get around, so we can arrange a central hotel or apartment for you for some must-do sightseeing before the start of your journey.

Circular and One-Way Road Trips

With Freedom Destinations you can choose a circular road trip into and out of the same city or a one-way road trip between different cities and regions. Or ask your Freedom Consultant to create a tailor made Australia road trip just for you.

Driving Distances in Australia

Wondering how long it takes to drive between Australia’s states? Use our handy driving distances guide below to help plan your Australia road trip:

Sydney Road Trip Distances

• Sydney to Brisbane – 990 kms – via Port Macquarie and Byron Bay
• Sydney to Melbourne – 870 kms – via Canberra or the coast
• Sydney to Adelaide – 1400 kms – via the Blue Mountains and Murray River
• Sydney to Sydney – 675 kms – via Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains

Brisbane Road Trip Distances

• Brisbane to Sydney – 990 kms – via the Gold Coast and Port Stephens
• Brisbane to Cairns – 1700 kms – via Rockampton and the Whitsundays
• Brisbane to Brisbane – 600 kms – to Fraser Island and the Nature Coast

Queensland Road Trips Distances

• Cairns to Brisbane – 1700 kms – via Whitsunday Islands and the coast
• Cairns to Cairns – 580 kms – via Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach

Melbourne Road Trip Distances

• Melbourne to Adelaide – 1100 kms – via the Great Ocean Road
• Melbourne to Sydney – 870 kms – via Canberra or the coast
• Melbourne to Melbourne – 710 kms – via Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula

Adelaide Road Trip Distances

• Adelaide to Alice Springs – 1550 kms – via Barossa Valley and Coober Pedy
• Adelaide to Melbourne – 1100 kms – via the Great Ocean Road
• Adelaide to Sydney – 1400 kms – via Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains

Alice Springs Road Trip Distances

• Alice to Ayers Rock – 770 kms – via Kings Canyon
• Alice to Darwin – 1500 kms – via Kakadu and Katherine
• Alice to Adelaide – 1550 kms – via Coober Pedy and Port Augusta

Darwin Road Trip Distances

• Darwin to Alice Springs – 1600 kms – via Katherine and Tennant Creek
• Darwin to Broome – 1900 kms – via Kununurra and the Kimberleys
• Darwin to Darwin – 1100 kms – via Katherine and Kakadu

Perth Road Trip Distances

• Perth to Monkey Mia – 850 kms – via Kalbarri and the Pinnacles
• Perth to Perth – 1100 kms – via Margaret River and Albany

How Will You Discover Australia?

From exciting guided tours, to scenic rail journeys and cruises. Our experts can design the holiday that’s right for you.

Holiday Ideas

Rail Journeys

Australia by Region

For a holiday designed for you, call 0333 234 2889 or enquire online.